#the kinship chronicles

[humbly-a-doppelganger]

THE STOLEN CHILD - WIP intro

So, I thought I’d post an overview of the world that burst inside my mind four years ago, and has so far refused to leave :)

The Stolen Child is the first part of a multi-book, multi-POV series titled The Kinship Chronicles. The story falls under the self-engineered time capsule urban fantasy genre, which is short for a mosaic of urban fantasy, historical fiction, adventure, a touch of horror, a tentative dark academia, and probably a couple other genres I’m forgetting right now. It's also YA! But, above all else, TKC is a story of doomed debts dealt across generations.

The synopsis is as follows:

Coraline 'Cal' Everitt has a secret. Her body, which at the age of five, she discovered would split into two forms—one mortal, the other not. Oftentimes without her consent. Why? All her attempts to learn the reason proved fruitless. But here's the one thing she's certain of: no one in her family shares her ability, thus, she must bring it to her grave.

Oliver Whitaker has a secret. His double-lived identity. He hails from The Kinship, an underground society for the otherworldly Saz. And yet, he spends his days Aboveground, spying on Cal in search of a sign that would mark her as one of his own, like her parents before her. Even though they hold no memories of it.

Diana Zubairu has a secret. The ghosts of her past haunting her present. Her family moved to London in hopes of escaping the aftermath of her brother's death. She may think herself on the path to healing, may find new companions in Cal and Oliver, yet John's clutch is strong and stubborn—and he has deemed her his sole victim.

Then a sudden attack falls upon them, causing the walls guarding their secrets to crumble to dust. Cal, Diana and Oliver will have to rediscover reality in the latter's native land—the very same land Cal and Diana are also entitled to. But in The Kinship, they'll get entangled in a quest that will challenge the very basis on which their perceptions hinder. Min Hao, the youngest daughter of a dying politician, is missing.

And only they may save her.

The Stolen Child is an amalgam of a myriad of tropes, plot points, etc. that don’t quite fit into any categories. You’ll like it if the following catches your eye:

Character-driven stories

Fleshed-out lore

Slowburn

Victorian era aesthetics

Underground, secret societies

Unconventional powers

A strong emphasis on platonic relationships

Mysteries

Queer characters and storylines

Time loops

Creepy, monstrous children

Saphic yearning

Rotten utopias

"We were fated to meet"

Diary romance

Journey to acceptance

Complicated families

I have a sick obsession with making characters. Seriously. The Stolen Child has a main cast of eight:

Cal Everitt ✧₊⁺ A newcomer lost amid her birthright

Oliver Whitaker ⚕ A healer who many help all but himself

Diana Zubairu ཐིཋྀ A foreigner hiding from her ghosts

Selvar Zandstra 𖤓 A survivor frozen in time

Atalanta Everitt-Melton ೱ A historian on the verge of collapse

Hunter Hao 𓍼 A brother with a blindfold in tatters

Morgan Hao ☠︎︎ A sister burdened by her misery

Caleb Verninac ♫ A son of secrets and pain

If any of this interests you, here’s the chapter list with links to each respective chapter!

Aside from posting on Tumblr, you can also find me on AO3 (Crosskill11), on Wattpad (Crosskill-11) and on Instagram (humbly_a_doppelganger), though I very, very rarely post anything there, if at all.

Now, this is getting too long, so I’ll be posting my inspirations for The Stolen Child—and The Kinship Chronicles as a whole—under the cut.

Early 2000s urban YA fantasy literature: in many ways, The Kinship Chronicles is an ode to those stories of girls who discovered the world was not what it seemed, that magic was not the stuff of fiction and that, despite everything, she was owed a place among that newfound reality. Only it is queer

The Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare: literally all of it, from The Mortal Instruments to The Last Hours. In fact, The Kinship Chronicles started out as a mesh of wild TSC fan fiction and a pre-existing WIP of mine I’d created at 14. Those books have nurtured me in my adolescence (and early adulthood) and in many ways, The Kinship is what my social sciences brain would’ve liked the shadowhunter world to be. The Infernal Devices and The Last Hours made me fall in love with the Victorian and Edwardian Eras

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs: his books were the first time I heard the word ‘time loop’ (or bucle temporal in Spanish), and I remembered being so mesmerised by the kind of powers peculiars wielded—they were, in themselves, peculiar, and I hope that Saz’s insignias embody that same peculiarity

The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James: I don’t think many people have read this book, I finished it at 2:00 a.m. in a random summer and it’s stayed branded in my brain ever since. I can’t recommend it enough. Strangely, it made me love the idea of falling in love with a person who you’ve only known through their writings

Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie: listen, the second line of the first chapter of The Stolen Child directly mentions Barrie. Peter Pan was my first fictional crush, Neverland my first form of Heaven. Two summers ago I read the original book from the early 20th century and I bawled my eyes out. Because of this, my main character, Cal, adores Peter Pan and I hope to be able to convey at least half as much as what Peter Pan conveyed to me. I don’t care if it sounds childish

Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac: eight-year-old me had no business watching this anime, but I’m glad I did. My man Ikki had done wonders to help me worldbuild

Tales of Berseria & Tales of Zestiria: undisputed JRPG masterpieces. Great, great, great for worldbuilding

Uncharted & Tomb Raider: I will cry, I wanted to step into their worlds so much I carved out a piece of them and stitched it into Mirror (this is very vague inspiration, but inspiration nonetheless)

Plato’s philosophy: truly inspired a great plot point and Morgan and Hunter’s character arcs. I should really get to reading the Symposium

Descartes’s philosophy: can’t say how or why, but by God I love Descartes

Spanish and, more particularly, Andalusian culture and heritage: this will be evident at the very end of The Kinship Chronicles. It’ll potentially traumatise some people, but that doesn’t erase the fact that I think my culture’s beautiful and that I’m forever grateful that I get to experience it

Roman law: my inner law student took the reins. The XII Tables my beloved

[hahahax30]

It's the way my books's ending started out with the main character's parents being brought but to life, but now it's actually going to end with a parade of their corpses (+ the corpses of all those people who fought alongside them) to remind my world of the lengths they went and they still were despised by the general populace

[softboyshaven]

"What is even the romantic appeal of Julian Blackthorn? He's toxic and possessive and-" Some of y'all have never been traumatized and it shows😭 Maybe some of us like the idea of someone who loves us so much they'd never abandon us.

[canadachronicles]

Happy Birthday, Hélène!!!

[book--brackets]

Temeraire by Naomi Novik (2006-2016)

DESCRIPTION

Aerial combat brings a thrilling new dimension to the Napoleonic Wars as valiant warriors ride mighty fighting dragons, bred for size or speed. When HMS Reliant captures a French frigate and seizes the precious cargo, an unhatched dragon egg, fate sweeps Captain Will Laurence from his seafaring life into an uncertain future – and an unexpected kinship with a most extraordinary creature. Thrust into the rarified world of the Aerial Corps as master of the dragon Temeraire, he will face a crash course in the daring tactics of airborne battle. For as France’s own dragon-borne forces rally to breach British soil in Bonaparte’s boldest gambit, Laurence and Temeraire must soar into their own baptism of fire. 

 Capt. Will Laurence is serving with honor in the British Navy when his ship captures a French frigate harboring most a unusual cargo–an incalculably valuable dragon egg. When the egg hatches, Laurence unexpectedly becomes the master of the young dragon Temeraire and finds himself on an extraordinary journey that will shatter his orderly, respectable life and alter the course of his nation’s history.

 Thrust into England’s Aerial Corps, Laurence and Temeraire undergo rigorous training while staving off French forces intent on breaching British soil. But the pair has more than France to contend with when China learns that an imperial dragon intended for Napoleon–Temeraire himself– has fallen into British hands. The emperor summons the new pilot and his dragon to the Far East, a long voyage fraught with peril and intrigue. From England’s shores to China’s palaces, from the Silk Road’s outer limits to the embattled borders of Prussia and Poland, Laurence and Temeraire must defend their partnership and their country from powerful adversaries around the globe. But can they succeed against the massed forces of Bonaparte’s implacable army?

Wayside School by Louis Sachar (1978-2020)

There was a terrible mistake. Wayside School was supposed to have been built with thirty classrooms all next to each other in a row. Instead, it was built with the thirty classrooms all on top of each other - thirty stories high! That may be why all kinds of strange stuff happens at Wayside School. Especially, on the thirteenth floor. It is a school full of unusual characters too. Mrs Gorf the meanest teacher in the world. Terrible Todd who always gets sent home early. John who can only read upside down.

Modern Faerie Tales by Holly Black (2002-2007)

Sixteen-year-old Kaye is a modern nomad. Fierce and independent, she drifts from place to place with her mother's rock band until an ominous attack forces them back to Kaye's childhood home. But Kaye's life takes another turn when she stumbles upon an injured faerie knight in the woods. Kaye has always been able to see faeries where others could not, and she chooses to save the strange young man instead of leaving him to die. 

But this fateful choice will have more dire consequences than she could ever predict, as Kaye soon finds herself the unwilling pawn in an ancient and violent power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms--a struggle that could very well mean her death.

The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist (1982-1986)

My name is Pug. I was once an orphaned kitchen boy, with no family and no prospects, but I am destined to become a master magician...

War is coming to the Kingdom of the Isles from another world, bringing with it chaos and destruction. Pug yearns to train as a warrior and fight for his kingdom alongside his foster-brother, Tomas, but instead he is forced to follow a different path: a path that will lead him right into the heart of the enemy. And one that will change the course of the war - and two worlds - forever.

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld (2009-2011)

It is the cusp of World War I, and all the European powers are arming up. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet. 

 Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battle-torn Stormwalker and a loyal crew of men. 

 Deryn Sharp is a commoner, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered. 

 With the Great War brewing, Alek's and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way...taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure. One that will change both their lives forever.

The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede (1985-1993)

Cimorene is everything a princess is not supposed to be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart - and bored. So bored that she runs away to live with a dragon - and finds the family and excitement she's been looking for.

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas (2020-present)

Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can’t get rid of him.

In an attempt to prove himself a true brujo and gain his family’s acceptance, Yadriel decides to summon his cousin’s ghost and help him cross to the afterlife.

But things get complicated when he accidentally summons the ghost of his high school’s resident bad boy, Julian Diaz – and Julian won't go into death quietly.

The two boys must work together if Yadriel is to move forward with his plan.

But the more time Yadriel and Julian spend together, the harder it is to let each other go.

The Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi (2003-2004)

After finding a mysterious, handmade field guide in the attic of the ramshackle old mansion they've just moved into, Jared; his twin brother, Simon; and their older sister, Mallory, discover that there's a magical and maybe dangerous world existing parallel to our own--the world of faerie. 

The Grace children want to share their story, but the faeries will do everything possible to stop them...

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman (2012-2015)

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs, the captain of the Queen's Guard. While they begin to uncover a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect the secret behind her musical gift--a secret so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

The Queen's Thief by Megan Whalen Turner (1996-2022)

Gen can steal anything—at least that's the boast he's made in wineshops across the capital city, and this bragging has landed him in the king's prison. His chances of escape look slim—even for someone of his talents. When he is invited to join a quest to steal an object straight out of a legend, he's hardly in a position to refuse.

[manari-archives]

Bad for Business

We look good in photographs, I like the way you like to laugh At dirty jokes, I know they'll always land Used to get to work on time, but now you're taking up my nights Never been so glad to be so tired

pairing: Lewis Hamilton x Reader

warnings: alludes to a sexual relationship, a crash, hospitals

word count: 2.7k

note: sorry for not uploading for a week, i had to get a emergency surgery and the recovery hasnt been great. again this isn't based on the entire song, just a couple of lines. the reader is a motogp rider in this. also english isn't my first language and this hasnt been proofread yet, so any corrections feel free to let me know and any feedback is welcome :)

masterlist

in the realm of MotoGP, you thrived on the intoxicating blend of speed and adrenaline, your fervor for the race track coursing through your veins. The pulsating roar of engines, the intoxicating feeling of victory – these were the elements that defined you. Amidst this roaring symphony of metal and fervor, fate orchestrated an unexpected meeting. Enter Lewis Hamilton, the luminary of Formula 1 glory. At a racing event, your lives converged like two celestial bodies gravitating towards each other. A kinship ignited, catalyzed by a love for motorsport that resonated deep within both your hearts.

"He's good for my heart, but he's bad for business," you often pondered, grappling with the complexities of your relationship with Lewis. Your love was passionate and genuine, but it became a concern for your manager, Sarah. Sarah had guided your career since its inception, carefully curating your public image and securing lucrative sponsorships.

Observing the budding romance between you and Lewis, Sarah couldn't help but worry about the potential impact on your career. One day, Sarah sat you down for a serious conversation. "Y/N, I understand your feelings for Lewis, but we must consider the implications for your career," she expressed with a concerned tone. "I understand the pull Lewis has on your heart, but we must tread cautiously. Your career is a delicate balance, and his presence could tip the scales"

Tears welled up in your eyes as you listened to Sarah's words. You understood the importance of your career, but your love for Lewis was equally significant. "Sarah, I appreciate your concerns, but I can't deny my feelings for Lewis. He brings me immeasurable joy, and I can't let go of that," you responded, your voice tinged with determination.

News of your and Lewis's relationship quickly spread through the racing community, igniting a media frenzy. Speculations about the impact on your career and sponsorships ran rampant. Journalists questioned your commitment to racing and accused you of prioritizing personal happiness over professional success. You found yourself caught in a storm of criticism from all sides. Friends who were once your staunchest supporters began to doubt your choices, believing that you had lost your focus. But you remained steadfast, refusing to compromise your love for Lewis for the sake of societal expectations.

Despite the external pressures, your performances on the track remained exceptional. Your determination and skill were undeniable, even in the face of scepticism. Slowly but surely, your critics began to realize that your relationship with Lewis had not affected your abilities as a racer.

"We look good in photographs," you whispered, cherishing the moments captured in frames that adorned your home.Photographs, snapshots of joy and togetherness, adorned the walls of your shared haven. These captured moments were more than mere images; they were chronicles of an amour unyielding. Amid your playfully bantered jests and whispered endearments, the world found itself a backdrop to your love story. Your smiles were genuine, and your eyes filled with an unspoken understanding.

Despite the challenges you faced, your love remained a source of strength and joy. In your private moments, Lewis's laughter filled the air, and you revelled in the way he embraced your "dirty jokes." Your shared sense of humour became a cherished bond, a reminder that your love was built on deep connection and mutual appreciation. Late nights became a sanctuary for you.

"Used to get to work on time, but now you're taking up my nights," you would playfully tease Lewis, relishing the exhaustion that came from staying up into the early hours of the morning, talking, laughing, and simply being in each other's arms. You had never been so glad to be so tired, knowing that it was a testament to the depth of your connection.

The persistent scrutiny and doubts surrounding your relationship began to take their toll. You and Lewis faced challenges that tested the strength of your love. But together, you forged a path forward, determined to prove that your love was worth fighting for. You and Lewis made a conscious effort to keep your personal and professional lives separate. You respected each other's careers and understood the importance of maintaining a balance.

With open communication and unwavering support, you weathered the storms that came your way. As time went on, the racing community began to see the authenticity and power of your love. They witnessed the unwavering dedication you brought to your racing career, alongside the joy and inspiration Lewis's presence brought you. The doubters slowly transformed into supporters, recognizing the depth of your connection and the positive impact it had on both of your lives.

The news of your and Lewis's secret connection slowly began to circulate within the racing community, fueling speculation and curiosity among fans and journalists alike. While you continued to keep your romance hidden from the public eye, it became increasingly challenging to shield your love from prying gazes. One day, as you prepared for a crucial race, your mind swirled with a mix of emotions. The pressure to perform on the track weighed heavily on you, but you found comfort in the thought that Lewis would be cheering you on from the sidelines. As the race commenced, your focus was razor-sharp, your heart racing with adrenaline. You manoeuvred your bike with precision, navigating the twists and turns of the circuit. But amidst the chaos and speed, fate dealt an unexpected blow.

On one particularly treacherous turn, a fellow rider lost control, causing a chain reaction that led to a collision. You found yourself caught in the chaos, unable to avoid the collision. Your bike skidded across the track, sending you tumbling through the air before you landed with a heavy thud. The spectators gasped in horror as you tumbled across the track, the deafening sound of screeching tires filling the air.

The crowd held its breath, anxiously waiting for any sign of movement from you. Immediately, the track's safety team sprang into action, rushing to your aid. Lewis, who was also aware of the crash, felt his heart skip a beat as he watched the scene unfold from the pits. He desperately wanted to run to your side, but he knew that the safety team was equipped to handle the situation. Anxiety gnawed at Lewis as he waited for updates on your condition.

The moments seemed to stretch on forever, each second filled with worry for your well-being. Finally, he received word that you were being transported to the medical centre for evaluation and treatment. Unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, Lewis hurriedly made his way to the medical centre, his heart pounding with fear and concern. When he arrived, he found you conscious but in pain, surrounded by medical personnel. He rushed to your side, his voice trembling with emotion. "You, are you okay? Can you hear me?" You managed a weak smile, your eyes reflecting a mixture of pain and gratitude. "Lewis… I'll be okay. It was just an accident." Lewis held your hand gently, his heartache evident in his eyes. "You scared me, you. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you." You squeezed his hand reassuringly. "I'm sorry for scaring you, Lewis. But I'm strong, and I'll get through this." In the following days, Lewis remained by your side, offering his unwavering support as you focused on your recovery. Your bond grew even stronger as you navigated the challenges together, knowing that your love was a source of strength in the face of adversity. Together, you and Lewis faced the challenges that life and racing threw your way, knowing that as long as you had each other, you could conquer anything. Your love had weathered the test of time and trials, proving that it was indeed a force that could triumph over anything life had to offer.

Time passed, and you and Lewis continued to excel in your respective racing disciplines. Your love only grew stronger, anchoring you in a world that often prioritized fame and success over personal happiness. Your triumphs on the track and your unwavering devotion to Lewis transcended the racing world. You became an inspiration to fans around the globe, a testament to the power of love and the courage to defy societal expectations.

In the end, you understood that your love for Lewis was the greatest victory you could ever achieve. Your relationship had taught you that true success lay not only in professional achievements but also in the depth of the love you shared. As you stood side by side, the roar of engines fading into the background, you and Lewis revelled in the triumph of your love. You knew that you had created a legacy that would resonate beyond the racetrack, a story of unwavering devotion and the courage to follow your hearts

As your relationship deepened, you and Lewis found solace in each other's company, cherishing the moments you spent conversing and connecting on a profound level. Your relationship was more than just a whirlwind romance—it was a partnership built on mutual understanding and unwavering support.

Late one evening, as the moon bathed your quiet surroundings in a soft glow, you and Lewis sat together on a terrace, the gentle breeze carrying your whispers. Your laughter echoed through the night, blending harmoniously with the rustling of leaves. "You know," Lewis began, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes, "your sense of humour is unlike any I've encountered before. Your jokes always catch me off guard." You grinned, your eyes glimmering with affection. "Ah, Lewis, that's one of the things I love about you. You get my jokes and laugh with me, no matter how silly my jokes may be." Your conversations often delved into deeper realms, exploring your dreams, fears, and the intricacies of your shared experiences as professional athletes.

You exchanged stories of triumphs and setbacks, finding solace in the understanding that only you could offer each other. In those private moments, You found comfort in Lewis's unwavering support. He listened attentively, offering encouragement and insight, always reminding you of your immense talent and resilience. Lewis, in turn, found inspiration in your unwavering determination and your ability to rise above challenges. Your conversations were the threads that wove the fabric of their relationship, building a profound connection that transcended the glamour of their respective careers. You revelled in each other's insights, finding solace and strength in your shared experiences.

Your love faced its fair share of challenges as the world scrutinized your relationship. Doubts and judgments weighed heavily on their hearts, threatening to dampen the flame of your love. But you and Lewis were determined to weather the storm together, your bond growing stronger with each obstacle you overcame. One evening, as you cuddled on the couch, you sighed, your gaze fixed on the flickering fireplace. "Lewis, sometimes it feels like the world is against us. The media, the critics—they question the authenticity of our love and its impact on my career. But I want you to know that my love for you outweighs any doubts or fears." Lewis intertwined his fingers with yours, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Love, I understand the weight of those doubts, but together we can prove them wrong. Our love is resilient, and it can withstand any storm. The strength we draw from each other is what propels us forward, both on and off the track." You nodded, your eyes shimmering with determination.

Your heartfelt conversation filled the room, creating an atmosphere of unwavering trust and support. In those moments, you found the courage to embrace your love fully, disregarding the opinions of others and focusing on the profound connection you shared.

Your conversations grew more profound, intertwining dreams, fears, and aspirations. Amid your busy schedules, you always found time to share your thoughts, your hearts pouring out to each other like an open book. Your unwavering support for one another led to a harmonious balance between your personal lives and professional ambitions. You navigated the challenges of fame and competition together, your love serving as an anchor in turbulent waters.

The sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the picturesque landscape as you and Lewis found yourselves strolling along a secluded beach. The gentle lapping of the waves provided a soothing backdrop to your conversation, which danced between lighthearted banter and heartfelt exchanges. As you walked hand in hand, Lewis's gaze never wavered from you. The love in his eyes was palpable, a testament to the depth of his feelings. In a moment of quiet reflection, he paused, his voice trembling with emotion. "Y/N, my love," Lewis began, his voice filled with a mixture of nerves and unwavering devotion. "You are my rock, my inspiration, and the love of my life. From the moment we met, I knew there was something truly extraordinary about us." Your heart skipped a beat, her eyes locked on Lewis, her love for him growing with every word he spoke. He continued, his voice steady but filled with profound emotion, "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Y/N. I promise to love you till forever falls apart. Marry me and Make my favourite dream come true" Tears welled up in your eyes, your heart overflowing with love and happiness. The answer, a whispered "yes," echoed across the sands, a promise sealed with the promise of forever. The ring on your finger shone like a star, a beacon of love that illuminated not just the present but the journey that lay ahead.

Months later, the day of your wedding arrived, brimming with anticipation and joy. You and Lewis stood at the altar, ready to exchange your vows and declare your eternal love before your loved ones. As you stood face to face, You spoke with unwavering conviction, your eyes shining with adoration. "Lewis, from the first moment I saw you, I knew that our love was something extraordinary. You've filled my life with joy, laughter, and unwavering support. I am so grateful to have you as my partner, my best friend, and now, my husband." you declared, the weight of your words permeating the air. Lewis's voice rang out, filled with love and reverence. "Y/N, you are the light of my life. Your strength, determination, and the way you constantly inspire me is truly remarkable. Today, I promise to always laugh at your jokes, always be your biggest supporter, your confidant, and your steadfast partner in all that life brings us." With their heartfelt vows exchanged, the officiant asked you to seal your union with a passionate kiss. The room erupted in applause and tears of joy, celebrating the love that had brought everyone together.

The reception hall was adorned with vibrant decorations, reflecting the colours of your love and the beauty of your union. Guests laughed and danced, celebrating the love that had brought them all together. You and Lewis revelled in the joyous celebration, your hearts filled with gratitude for the support and love surrounding you. Your conversations with loved ones were filled with laughter, reminiscences, and heartfelt well-wishes for your future. As you shared your first dance as a married couple, your bodies swayed in perfect harmony. In each other's arms, you felt the strength and joy that your love brought, a love that would guide you through the adventures and challenges that lay ahead.

Throughout the evening, your conversations flowed effortlessly, interwoven with laughter, memories, and dreams for the future. You revelled in the shared stories and promises, knowing that your connection was not only built on passion but on the foundation of friendship and unwavering support.

[scotianostra]

On September 25th 1237 The Treaty of York was agreed between the kings Alexander II of Scotland and Henry III of England.

This agreement meant that Northumberland, Cumberland, and Westmorland were subject to English sovereignty, but it also set down the border between Scotland and England, that remains, more or less the same as it is to this day.

The treaty was one of a number of agreements made in the ongoing relationship between the two kings. The papal legate Otho (also known as Oddone di Monferrato) was already in England at Henry’s request, to attend a synod in London in November that year, Henry informed Otho in advance of the September meeting at York, which he attended.

The meeting between the two Kings was recorded by the contemporary chronicler Matthew Paris, who disparaged both Alexander and Otho. Paris’ false allegations against Alexander, portraying him as boorishly uncivil and aggressive, have been repeated uncritically in several historical accounts. In fact, Henry and Alexander had had a history of making agreements to settle one matter or another, and they were, by and large, cordial because the two had strong kinship ties. Alexander was married to Henry’s sister, Joan, and Alexander’s sister Margaret had married Hubert de Burgh, a former regent to Henry. Henry was a close confidante of the English King, so it is only natural he would be biased in his favour.

On 13th August 1237 Henry advised Otho that he would meet Alexander at York to conclude a peace treaty. Their agreement was reached on 25th September “respecting all claims, or competent to, the latter, up to Friday next before Michaelmas A.D. 1237”.

The title of the agreement is Scriptum cirographatum inter Henricum Regem Anglie et Alexandrum Regem Scocie de comitatu Northumbrie Cumbrie et Westmerland factum coram Ottone Legato (Agreement written between Henry, king of England and Alexander, king of Scotland concerning the counties of Northumberland, Cumberland, and Westmoreland, done in the presence of papal legate Otto). The particulars of the agreement are as follows:

The King of Scotland: quitclaims to the King of England his hereditary rights to the counties of Northumberland, Cumberland, and Westmorland; quitclaims 15,000 marks of silver paid by King William to King John for certain conventions not observed by the latter; and frees Henry from agreements regarding marriages between Henry and Richard, and Alexander’s sisters Margaret, Isabella, and Marjory.

The King of England grants the King of Scotland certain lands within Northumberland and Cumberland, to be held by him and his successor kings of Scotland in feudal tenure with certain rights exempting them from obligations common in feudal relationships, and with the Scottish Steward sitting in Justice regarding certain issues that may arise, and these, too, are hereditary to the King of Scotland’s heirs, and regarding these the King of Scotland shall not be answerable to an English court of law in any suit.

The King of Scotland makes his homage and fealty – de praedictis terris [in the aforementioned territories]

Both kings respect previous writings not in conflict with this agreement, and any charters found regarding said counties to be restored to the King of England.

Older historians have shown little interest in the agreement, either mentioning it in passing or ignoring it altogether, and it still does not get much mileage in contemporary histories of relations between Scotland and England. Given that the treaty established a border that is still in effect 800 years later, you’d think it would have more prominence.

[murfpersonalblog]

Armand or Lestat? Who’s WORSE?- AvatarAdrian

Just copy/pasting what I said in the comments, cuz it represents my whole stance on Lestat vs Armand:

Omg thank you for the discourse! "Do I wanna be thrown through walls and dropped from the clouds, or do I wanna be emotionally manipulated and have my memories edited?" THIS. Physical abuse vs mental/psychological abuse. Pick your poison. Lestat & Armand are the only lovers Louis ever has, so you're forced to sit & go which one IS better, or are they both EQUALLY horrendous in their own way? The one who's brazen about his toxic behavior, so you at least know what you're working with, even if you can't beat him; or the one victimizing himself while he screws you over and makes you think YOU'RE the problem, so you're stuck in the same limbo for 77 YEARS going NOWHERE until a literal professional has to come EXTRACT you from the situation (Lestat during the Trial & Daniel during the interview)?

 I 100% agree with you about Lestat's casual racist colorblindness, but that's exactly the trap Claudia fell for, thinking skinship=kinship just cuz Armand led the coven & was darker-skinned than Louis. (2x2 "I was just glad no one wanted to lynch me;" VS. 2x7 "it's a stoning!") So I disagree that Armand's easier to deal with. Lestat's the Ike Turner Louis was eventually able to fight back against & run away from. But Armand's the Charles Manson tryna convert you into a LITERAL cult, gaslighting the absolute hell out of you to become his perfect little Stepford Wife--THE devil's minion.   

Lestat's like a bull in a china shop, just there to wreck your whole set. You can see his crazy arse coming a mile away. Lestat's "gonna do what he feels is best for himself and what's best for you." THIS. This controlling/oppressive God Complex behavior's at the root of his worst personality traits. He'll lovebomb & obfuscate & withhold, not out of MALICE, but out of his fear or rejection/abandonment on top of his pisspoor communication skills. He's unapologetic up to a point--IMO The Vampire Lestat & Queen of the Damned are Lestat's way of apologizing to Louis, by coming forward with all the secrets Louis always asked him about & wanted to know about him--all cards on the table, finally. And Lestat spends the rest of The Vampire Chronicles tryna become "a vampire WORTHY of Louis' love." He's still THE Brat Prince, and a perfect devil, but he tries to at least be a BETTER devil for LOUIS' sake. 

Armand's the snake you never see coming. "Oh, I won't be sitting in church being all judgemental, even though I am being just as nasty as  the rest of these miserable church folk." LOL! XD Facts, he can't be trusted, cuz he's stronger than you (like Lestat), and even worse: he's SMARTER than you, too! Louis & Claudia were able to trick & outsmart Lestat. You need to be a LITERAL PhD Pulitzer winning investigative journalist to crack Armand open. Daniel's the only one who can see thru Armand's BS. 

So yeah, I'd rather deal with Lestat.

[balladofbells]

RANK the TSC main girlies

Emma, Clary, Cordelia and Tessa (also Dru if u feel like adding her)

sorry it took so long to reply anon these were just decomposing in my drafts for a couple days :3

1. Clary Fairchild

She may not be for everyone but I love her; she’s everything. She’s been targeted, harassed, and threatened by her own father and brother- the people who were supposed to protect her- and she’s still able to fall victim to a-lot of things not just in the shadow-world but in the fandom (GENDER DISCRIMINATION).

And hey, there’s nothing wrong with favouritism In characters, but blatantly disregarding her entire survival and depression by calling her an ��unimportant’ run-of-the-mill YA protagonist that can easily be pushed aside for suddenly more ‘complex’ characters? The line is drawn. She just deserves more recognition.

2. Emma Carstairs

Her trilogy (The dark artifices) was the first that got me really into the chronicles. I’d dabbled here and there but tda was basically my first love, so therefore she’s automatically pretty high on my list.

3. Tessa Gray

Great (although depressing) story and plot line for not just a warlock but for a character. She really resonates with me as an infp and a bookworm, too.

4. Dru Blackthorn

Reading TDA, I really felt a kinship with Dru even though we didn’t even get that much POV content out of her. After twp is released, she’ll probably be even higher on my list but for now, she’s at a four until we see more of her journey.

5. Cordelia Carstairs

Definitely brought much needed diversity for main female characters in tsc, and it was really interesting to be able to be educated on all the Persian culture. But I never really connected with her character and point of view the way I wanted to be able to (which is okay, a lot of people like Daisy!) and that’s the reason why she’s so low.

[tuliharja]

Five comfort characters, five tags

Thank you so much for tagging me @unohanadaydreams!

The timing of this tag game wouldn't have come in more ironic timing than it did, since just recently my one friend asked me about my own comfort characters. To be honest, I think when I move to a new fandom, my comfort character changes along the way. Though, at times I notice myself going back to certain fandoms and reading about certain characters or ships, so maybe those in a way comfort me. But then I read about other people's answers, which made me realize the definition of comfort character differs from person to person. Yes, there are some similarities, and even in some cases, the definition can vary between characters. It's all about how one views and handles them. So, I've tried to make my own list with explanations of why these characters are my comfort characters (which was very hard. Not just because of the explanations, but also just listing only five of them!)

Tomoyo-hime (from Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle). Probably my oldest blorbo. Writing her is extremely easy for me. Not to mention she reminds me of all the good and pure things in the whole world with that glint of mischievousness. Just thinking about her calmness and beautiful smile soothes me. Not to mention she is the other part of my ultimate OTP, so when I talk/write about her, I can talk about my OTP. (And oh boy. I have a lot to say/write about them! And things concerning them and around them.) She is just extremely comfortable to me.

Yoruichi Shihoin (from BLEACH). When you don't know what to draw, either draw Tomoyo or Yoruichi, my brain whispers to me when I'm stuck on which anime/manga woman to draw. Yoruichi is extremely easy for me to draw. Not to mention there is just something in her character that draws my attention in art-wise. I really like to both draw Yoruichi and look at the art of her. It brings me a sense of serenity and makes me want to draw something cool or amazing. She is a very great character. I also like the fact the manga didn't reveal everything about her, so there is room to write about her if I so want. Not to mention she is a very layered character underneath her cattish attitude. But to me, she is mostly my art blorbo.

Shinji Hirako (from BLEACH). This feels very random, even to me. But after I mulled over this matter a good while, I realized Shinji is my comfort character. Each time when I've been away from Bleach fandom and I want to read a Bleach fic, I unconsciously start to look for fics where is Shinji. There is just something about the piano teeth man who brings me a sense of security, despite the fact he is a goofy mess. Not to mention he is an extremely layered character, which makes him just a delicious character to read about. (Sadly, I still can't read fics where he and Hiyori appear as main characters as usual in such fics their slang/dialect is so strong, I get lost in translation...)

Furina (From Genshin Impact). One of my newer blorbos. I can't help but just feel most about her. Even before the big revelation about her, everything about her made me root for her and feel this kinship that is very hard for me to explain. More so, after the big revelation about her. There is something about Furina that brightens my day and makes me feel reassured. Especially when I think how she can mess up badly or be a bundle of anxiety, yet still keeps going on despite her many failures and faults. Not to mention she is a very complex and pretty character. I definitely want to make art about her at some point~.

Lucifer Morningstar (from Lucifer). My newest, shiny blorbo. I must admit I'm not sure why he is my blorbo. The fact he is such a layered character? The fact he looks drop-dead gorgeous? He has more issues than one can count with two hands, yet still chooses to ignore that all? The huge angst potential? The fact despite the fact he can (and will) act like an absolute a-hole yet is the sweetest thing ever? Or he knows how to live, but can still be very insightful and all that more? Haha, I don't know, but I sure do know underneath that wild party animal, he is the most lovable guy ever and that's magnetic. Plus, he is what he is and is (mostly) unapologetic about it.

Honorable mentions: Juushiro Ukitake (Bleach), Tobirama Senju (Naruto), Madara Uchiha (Naruto), Thrawn (Star Wars, Penelope Eckhart (Villains Are Destined to Die), and Riruka Dokugamine (Bleach).

Tagging (with no pressure): @officerjennie, @callmeasyouwantidk, @jkrobertson, @the-con-she-called-conscience and @lemongrass-and-cedarwood.

[bucking-mustangs-with-wings]

Tag game: 10 characters from 10 fandoms

I was tagged by @hogans-heroes and my old laptop is working for 5 minutes on it's last legs so let's do this before it craps out again! God I gotta go way back in the earlier fandom days for some of these, I haven't been in a fandom since I was a teenager until MotA & Dune

1. Gale "Buck" Cleven (Masters of the Air) I would put Bucky as well but I can only choose one *cries* and I feel a complete kinship with this character and his mannerisms/traumas/personality etc.

2. Paul Atreides (Dune/Dune Part Two) look, I know he's an anti-hero and drank the worm juice so he turned into a crazy dictator but mans went through a lot and became a bad-ass doing it

3. Kiba (Wolf's Rain) do NOT get me started unless you want me a blubbering mess for a week straight

4. Ryuk (Death Note)

5. Stiles Stilinski (Teen Wolf) YES I was a Teen Wolf girlie.. sue me

6. Klaus Mikaelson (The Vampire Diaries/The Originals)

7. Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) still LOVE this character but can't help but get a visceral reaction when I look at him now because he looks like my ex. Actor has the same fucking first name too. Go figure. Sorry, boo (Arthur)!

8. Wil Ohmsford (Shannara Chronicles) My obsession for Austin Butler I wholeheartedly blame for this one. He should be higher up on the list, but eh. Love him, he's an idiot tasked with saving the world. Dorky dumbass x 100 with the situational awareness of a 2 week old kitten.

9. Triss (The Witcher: Wild Hunt Game version)

10. Dean Winchester (Supernatural) Supernatural really dropped the ball in later seasons honestly, but I still love the earlier ones and the character. Him and Sam are just alternative universe versions of me and my best friend.

I'm gonna tag: @avonne-writes @onyxsboxes @antiquitea @trashbag-baby666 if you guys feel like it and anyone else who would like to!

[humbly-a-doppelganger]

The Stolen Child: Prologue - The Exikahle Annals

Next -> 1

Index

3rd of September of 1864, authored by Hortense Goldwater-Lievremont

THE KINSHIP IS IN MOURNING

A terrible shadow has clouded our Fair Nation. On the morrow of this very day, the third of September of the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four (7841 as per the Saz calendar), the Leader of the Historian Emblem, Abraham Arnold Day, was found dead. The Exikahle Annals wish to avow that his new life shall blossom bright.

The evening prior, Mr. Day had hosted his first ball of the season, a gathering which had been attended by the totality of his fellow Leaders as well as the remaining members of the Inner Circle (sans our Commander-in-Chief), their spouses, progeny and other persons from the higher ranks of the Archaic Army. However, this joyous occasion was corrupted by the presence of a third party, of whom Mr. Day became prey.

The murderer’s identity has not been disclosed—furthermore, it likely shan’t ever be disclosed—yet this author has been informed of the vile criminal’s modus operandi: firstly, the act of inflicting inebriation upon their victim; secondly, drawing their victim to a lonely games room under the guise of seduction; thirdly, piercing their victim’s rib cage til it had become red as wine; finally, laying to rest on their poor victim’s earthly remains.

The finding of Mr. Day’s cadaver was entrusted to Mr. Klaus Haukland, who our sources claim was the Emblem Leader’s closest friend. Nevertheless, a retinue of Emblem Leaders and Gatekeepers, even the Khioaxi, promptly arrived to the crime scene. Wonsook Cho (Leader of the Conductor Emblem, of whom this author has written about ostensibly on account of her apparition lover) conceded to describe the scene before her departure for Mirror Korea. Behold her words: “It was ludicrous; Abraham is gone? Who shall token Reason during our symposia? Roxia spare us, for it shan’t be me!”

The Leaders of the Symbiotic Haven, Ms. Akhtar (host) and Ms. Shiva (imlium) have expressed their sorrow over the tragic occurrence. They have decreed that they shan’t return to Persia until the Triumvirate of Xelua’ia have certified that due punishment has been executed. The Leader of the Doppelgänger Emblem refused this author a word, yet actions speak louder than words and his decision to expeditiously return to his native realm deafens the mightiest of thunderstorms.

Mr. Haukland appeared too devastated to afford us his input.

~

Abraham Arnold Day was born the first of August of one thousand eight hundred eighteen (7795 as per the Saz calendar) to Livitha & Harald Day (né Townsend) in Mirror London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. He was Named Leader of the Historian Emblem in December of one thousand eight hundred forty (7817 as per the Saz calendar). He was a private man who seldom endeavoured to visit Aboveground. He never wed, though this author has surmised that he was once betrothed to one Isaac ben Zohara, a friend of Mr. Haukland’s. It is unknown whether Mr. Zohara shall be in attendance at Mr. Day’s funeral. Learning of the perishing of the man to whom you once dreamt of being a husband ought to drive one to madness, indeed. 

[hahahax30]

The Kinship Chronicles pt 1: The Stolen Child

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗛𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗘'𝗦 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗜𝗔𝗥 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱-𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.

Coraline 'Cal' Everitt has a secret. Her body, which at the age of five, she discovered would split into two forms--one mortal, the other not. Oftentimes without her consent. Why? All her attempts to learn the reason proved fruitless. But here's the one thing she's certain of: no one in her family shares her ability, thus, she must bring it to her grave.

Oliver Whitaker has a secret. His double-lived identity. He hails from The Kinship, an underground society for the otherworldy Saz. And yet, he spends his days Aboveground, spying on Cal in search of a sign that would mark her as one of his own, like her parents before her. Even though they hold no memories of it.

Diana Zubairu has a secret. The ghosts of her past haunting her present. Her family moved to London in hopes of escaping the aftermath of her brother's death. She may think herself on the path to healing, may find new companions in Cal and Oliver, yet John's clutch is strong and stubborn--and he has deemed her his sole victim.

Then a sudden attack falls upon them, causing the walls guarding their secrets to crumble to dust. Cal, Diana and Oliver will have to rediscover reality in the latter's native land--the very same land Cal and Diana are also entitled to. But in The Kinship they'll get entangled in a quest that will challenge the very basis on which their perceptions hinge. Min Hao, the youngest daughter of a dying politician, is missing.

And only they may save her.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘦 𝘶𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘯 𝘠𝘈 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘊𝘢𝘭 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘮.

[jaredxenoengage]

Three Plus Two: Xenoblade 2

Spoilers for Xenoblade Chronicles 2:

Every JRPG is going to have its stories, some anime tropes, FANSERVICE, a crap ton of flaws (but when is anything perfect to begin with) and their ragtag bunch of misfits. And that is ok. We’re all going to like different things. But that’s not what I’m here to talk about concerning Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (one of my favorite JRPG games of all time).

And no, it’s not talking about the “problems” Xenoblade 2 “suffers” from, we could be here FOREVER discussing that. No, I want to talk about the party of Xenoblade 2. If you remember my post regarding the Five Man Band and how Fire Emblem Engage uses the trope https://www.tumblr.com/jaredxenoengage/753270910703828992/the-five-man-band-is-among-one-my-favorite-tropes

While Xenoblade 2 does follow the Five Man Band trope, as their are 5 party members (Rex, Nia, Tora, Mòrag and Zeke, with Vandham and ironically, Jin and Malos as guess party members). For most of the game, up until the end of Chapter 4, the team sticks with the Power Trio Rex, Nia, and Tora. This is the Three Plus Two trope (best seen in Power Rangers Dino Thunder, its predecessor Ninja Storm, Jungle Fury, and Power Rangers RPM (for the most part). It’s where a power trio in a team evolves in the typical Five Man Band.

The team would expand later with two main party members (both of whom served as Rex’s rivals throughout his journey). Mòrag, Special Inquisitor for the Empire of Mor Ardain. While Mòrag was never evil, Mòrag (like most Sixth Rangers) opposed Rex because she did what she felt was right (because she saw the Aegis, Pyra as a threat to the world, and an Artifical Blade who looked like Poppi was causing trouble). But eventually, Mòrag settles her differences with Rex and eventually becomes fully devoted to Rex’s cause.

Zeke Von Genbu. Yeah. Zeke Von Genbu. The same guy that Rex fought and became his own undoing. Zeke is very much like Mòrag. As he is also royalty of one of the Kingdoms of Alrest, as the prince of Tantal. Zeke fought Rex to test his strength and intended to join him so that he could eventually meet Amalthus, who the party were going to meet anyways at Mythra’s (Pyra’s sister/original) behest.

Mòrag and Zeke are both far more experienced than Rex is both as Drivers and as citizens of the world of Alrest. Both fought against Rex before eventually joining his party. And most of all, they both, in a way, serves as mentors to Rex. After seeing his potential and his character, they both eventually choose to trust him.

Now what dynamic do each of the party members serves?

Rex is the Leader and main protagonist of Xenoblade 2. As a Driver and someone who lives in Alrest, Rex is very inexperienced in comparison to all of his other friends (Tora included despite not being a Driver yet, cause he couldn’t be without Poppi). So Rex in a bit of a in a pickle in his leadership spot.

But what he lacks (initially) is skill, he makes up for it with his heart and strength of character. Rex serves as inspiration to others. Despite their initial backlash, during the brief time Torna was using Rex to retrieve Pyra, Nia does show a little bit kinship with him. So Rex (initially) dying at Jin’s hands and Malos threatening to dispose the Argentum Trade Guild’s Salvagers as “thanks” for helping them causes Nia to defect Torna. It’s also at Rex’s behest that convinces Nia to stay with him (and Tora) on the Journey to Elysium.

And all of this is WITHOUT talking about how much of an impact he has on Pyra and Mythra. Speaking of whom, as the Aegis of the team, Pyra (mainly Mythra) is the driving force behind the journey to Elysium. It was Mythra’s idea to take Fan La Norme (Haze)‘s invitation to meet Amalthus (they were already going to meet him anyways). And as the Aegis, Pyra and Mythra are one Alrest’s most powerful Blades.

And later in the game, Rex gets Roc (Vandham’s former blade), exclusive access to Nia as a Blade, as well as Pneuma and the Master Driver abilities (that gives Rex the ability to use the Blades of his fellow Drivers, save for Poppi). Despite Rex’s initial inexperience, by the end of the game, he has the most blades locked to him, and the ability to use every non Poppi blade).

Nia is the Lancer of the team. The Lancer the one who serves as the Leader/Hero’s second in command and/or foil. Nia is more of the pessimist compared to Rex’s optimist. Nia is the first to question Pyra’s quest to reach Elysium (which she was right about, for the most part). And (ironically) when Rex was going to give up the journey after Pyra and Mythra are kidnapped at the end of Chapter 6, at the start of Chapter 7, Nia is the very first person to give Rex a piece of her mind.

As far as being foils in their powers, Nia’s Blade is Dromarch, a Water Blade that serves as a parental substitute for Nia. Dromarch is more of the Advisor, and is one of (if not) the most knowledgeable party member. Making him more of the smart guy in terms of his role when talking about the Blades.

Not many Lancer type characters are healers (which would be more of The Heart’s role), but where Nia shines in being the Lancer to Rex AND the Aegis girls is that she is a Flesh Eater. Making their dynamic similar to Jin and Malos, a fellow Flesh Eater and Aegis Blade respectively.

Tora is more of a “smart guy” than what most make think. Say what you will about his perverse behavior towards Poppi, but Tora would have to be intelligent enough about Drivers and the tools need to make Poppi to be able to make her at all. In fact, Poppi’s role in Team Aegis as a whole is very crucial to success of Rex’s team.

For example, Tora teaches Rex about the elemental powers of the Blades. Helped him and Pyra escape from Brighid and form a plan to save Nia after she was captured in the aforementioned battle. Tora (albeit with Mòrag’s advice) was able to use Poppi to escape from a prison in Tantal that negates Blade arts in Chapter 6. In the trip down Spirit Crucible Elpys, Poppi being an Artificial Blade allows her to use Arts perfectly fine. And finally, Poppi is a key player in stopping Amalthus’s control over the Titans.

Poppi’s gameplay as a whole serves similarly to the smart guy because she is more customizable than any other Blade in the game. Her versatility gives her a use in battle no one else has. This is especially true in Chapter 7.

Poppi’s overall character is that of the Heart though. It’s Poppi who manages to succeed in reaching out to Rex when he was going to quit his journey to Elysium after the Aegis is taken away from him. Nia and Brighid were unable to cut deep into him, but Poppi succeeded. Poppi also convinces Jin to hear out Brighid’s request to learn about herself in Chapter 8, and she has the most emotional moments on the whole.

Now normally, Vandham’s role would be the Big Guy. His seize notwithstanding, Vandham is very much a Mighty Glacier that hits hard with his Wind Blade Roc. All of Vandham’s stats (save for agility) are really good in the brief time he’s at your side. Unfortunately, the Big Guy suffers from a Fatality Syndrome. And in the case of Vandham, it couldn’t be cured.

Vandham’s role in chapter 3 is to be the mentor. Vandham teaches Rex how to Topple with his Anchor Shot. Vandham teaches Rex about the world of Alrest through the harsh realities of the Blade System. And Vandham, above all else, taught Rex to fight his own war. A lesson that would stick with Rex for a long time.

The reason why this JRPG team is a Three plus two dynamic is because of Vandham’s death. Once he died, it was back to the Power Trio of Rex, Nia and Tora.

This is where Mòrag would fill the role Vandham left behind. Mòrag is every bit of the experience Driver as Vandham was despite being a mercenary in the grand scheme of things. If you don’t consider Tora to be the smart guy of the team, then consider Mòrag in chapter 6. Her knowledge over the events in Alrest leads her to be the one to question Amalthus’s role in the plot. In the same chapter, she was the first to realize that the King of Tantal may had different plans for them (her fears were proven right).

Mòrag’s experience and battle prowess makes her a Genius Bruiser. As the Flamebringer and with one of the twin jewels of Mor Ardain: Brighid, her prowess as a Driver and experience as Special Inquisitor of the Empire makes her an invaluable member of the team once she finally accepts her role as Rex’s ally.

In fact, Mòrag is the only Driver of the team (Vandham excluded) to not have some unique aspect about her as a Driver. Rex is the Driver the Aegis, Nia is a Flesh Eater, Tora is a Driver with an Artificial Blade, and Zeke is a Blade Eater. And even if Mòrag gains access to Aegaeon later on, awakening him is optional. So Mòrag is simply a powerful and effective Driver all on her own.

And then there is Zeke. While I say he is the heart overall as far as the Drivers are concerned (which is best exemplified late game), Zeke also has some Big Guy traits, as well as Sixth Ranger traits.

Zeke is undoubtedly the tallest member of Rex’s team. Zeke is also the most boisterous in terms of personality. And if it’s not Rex getting hit the butt monkey moments, or Tora and Nia in some cases, then it’s definitely Zeke. Unlike Vandham, some of the other tropes you find in the muscle characters (besides the fatality syndrome) are found in Zeke.

Now where does Zeke fit in terms of being the heart? IMO, Zeke has some of the most heartfelt moments and scenes in the game when he isn’t just being played for comedy. Zeke willing opening up about his Blade Eater status and backstory serves as the moment Nia finally comes clean with Rex about her own backstory (and her Flesh Eater form later). Zeke is one of the most caring members of the team and his relationship with Pandoria is really heartwarming and tragic with his backstory in mind.

And as for the Sixth Ranger trope, he would have played this straighter if Vandham was still alive. Even if his Eye of Shining Justice ability is NG+ only, Sixth Rangers often get some the cooler powers and abilities if the Red Ranger doesn’t have them, and this is no exception.

Now when we look at the Organization of Torna, they follow a similar team structure to Rex and his party members. Once it all comes together, you begin to see who serves as a counterpart to who. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ThePsychoRangers

Jin to Rex: True, Malos is the Aegis, thus making him the evil counterpart to Pyra and Mythra. But in terms of roles in the team and their story, Jin is meant to be the foil to Rex. Jin represents the person Rex could have become if he was driven to despair.

Jin’s former Driver and love interest Lora died at the hands of Amalthus. On top of losing some of other friends in the Aegis war, and problems with the Blade system leads him to hate the world and wish to see it burn.

Because Jin is a Flesh Eater, he has some foils towards Nia as well. But again, Jin is more meant to be Rex’s counterpart. And their interactions throughout the story makes this clear.

Nia to Malos: Nia inadvertently became Rex’s second in command after their meeting and her eventually break up with Torna. Much like, or not, how Malos follows Jin’s lead, Nia is the one who always questions Rex’s every move. Whereas Malos tainted Jin with his despairing influence that also consumed Amalthus, Rex’s influence was slowly changing Nia for the better.

In chapter 7, Nia’s Flesh Eater healing powers serve as a direct counter Malos’s destructive capabilities when his Aegis powers are restored. She can act as Rex’s Blade together with Pyra and Mythra as well.

Malos is an Aegis who follows the lead of the Flesh Eater Jin, while the Flesh Eater Nia has to back the Driver of the Aegis: Rex up.

Akhos to Tora: Akhos and Tora don’t any interaction, but I’d say their roles are similar enough to warrant the comparison. Tora isn’t a master strategist guy like Akhos is,but he’s knowledgeable enough to allow Poppi to even exist and be a key player in Rex’s journey. Akhos serves as the eye in the sky for Torna and does it effectively.

Patroka to Mòrag: Both Patroka and Mòrag are both the female powerhouses. But Mòrag is more levelheaded and skilled, while Patroka is more brash and quick to lose her temper.

And Mikhail to Zeke: finally, both Mikhail and Zeke are the regular butt Monkeys of their respective groups. The two of them have more depth than their silly butt of jokes give them credit for. Lastly, but by far the most important part, they are both Blade Eaters with conflicts towards Amalthus. This becomes apparent in Chapter 9.

And that is my take on the team dynamic of Xenoblade 2.

[wagner-fell]

Omg yesssssss

Aaahhhhhh that just makes me so happy

Thank you thank you thank you you're greater than the catedral de sevilla and yeah I remember when you got spoiled lol

So, let me start by saying that Mrs Woolaham is a tad too mentally unsound, probably partly due to drug consumption (though I'm still devating this). The thing is: she's not fine up there and that led her to fixating on Agnes. Now, why Agnes and not Madeleine? For once, Agnes had a very frail, meak, weak personality that made it easy to rope her into a psychologically abusive relationship. Meanwhile, Madeleine had an odder, not so victorian-friendly personality from the very beginning. That's why she had a harder time making friends than Agnes did.

Mrs Woolaham saw Agnes as a means of returning to her youth: Agnes couldn't choose what she wore, liked, how she behaved in public, who she was friends with or eventually married, etc. because otherwise Mrs Woolaham would confine her to a tiny, unlit room where she could 'reflect upon and better her actions'. All without the rest of the Woolahams, especially Madeleine, knowing what was happening. The only thing that hinted at it was Agnes's terror of the dark.

As a result of all the abuse, Agnes became a very very introverted and private person and she felt lonely all the time even if she was surrounded by people who adored her (aka a persona of her). No one truly knew who she was, although Madeleine came somewhat close.

And the thing is, when Madeleine is outed and *gaylord* happens to her, Agnes desperately wants to help her, but she can't by mere virtue of how terrified she is of her mother. Mrs Woolaham's abuse becomes way more latent; she confines Agnes to the unlit room more often and on top of that grows obsessed with making sure Madeleine doesn't 'infect' her precious Agnes --thus she gives Agnes a new bedroom (she'd been sharing rooms with M), burns all the clothes A might've shared with M, etc. Mrs Woolaham is sickening and A is so terrified of it all that she even ~convinces~ a man from Prussia to propose to her, so that she might get away from England altogether even if living separately from M hurts her more than she cared to admit at the time.

Anyways, when Madeleine disappears and is subsequently pronounced dead, Agnes's already-frail mental health plummets. The shock and the guilt is so big that she stops eating, talking, etc. She just seats behind her desk in full-mourning regalia, all stiff, 24/7 until Marcus one day goes to her, tugs at her skirts and her corpse falls on top of him (is Marcus traumatised? Yes ofc). Long story short: Agnes is then buried, the Woolahams actually mourn for her and because the have to put up a show, all her tomb to be beside Madeleine's, and then everyone moves on. Agnes's fiancé, who's a Jerk, makes a ton of complaints but eventually finds himself another bride and forgets all about her.

Fast forward to book 2, Madeleine and Diana get together and the later, super well intentioned, proposes they go on a date. Now, this happens at the end of the book so ofc stuff needs to go awry. As a result of having been Simone's host, Madeleine developed an insignia that rendered her capable of controlling gravity. That insignia can only be known by Simone and her cult (the curia regis), so they decide that madeleine needs to be captured on her way to the date. Problem? Diana would know something's wrong if Madeleine doesn't show up. Solution? Simone forms a symbiosis with Agnes's corpse --bringing her back to life in the process-- and uses her as Madeleine to fool Diana; then alive!Agnes returns to the curia regis's headquarters to be put in a cell.

Luckily, Madeleine is able to get the curia regis off her back, which Cal isn't able to do lol. The Curia Regis went after her and kidnap her and put her in the same cell as Agnes. Agnes, who:

Thinks she's dead and in hell

They've dressed in Madeleine's would-be dressing gown + blindfolded to further worsen her already comatose mental health

Now has an insignia of her own; her blood can speed up time or turn back time depending on whichever part of her body it is drawn from

And, Warner, it may be my bias speaking, but Agnes's insignia is *so cool* (she's Lotte/Izarius):

Here she's helping Cal flee from the curia regis's headquarters. I'm saying 'helping' because Agnes thinks she's in hell and deserves to remain there. Also, for shipping purposes she had to stay so that arash can save her because he's her prince in shining armour lol

At the end of book 3, arash's and sohrab's older sisters are going to be killed (and xuegang's finally going to kick the bucket I think) and as a result, the two are going to end up looking for vengeance. In the process, they're going to find Agnes and they're going to save her ofc. Then the shipping will commence

Anyways. Agnes is a very complicated character. It'll take a lot for her to open up and come to terms with her insignia and her relationship with arash will be really sweet because arash is the sweetest and she's great, too. It'll give day x night and they're going to help each other so much. Arash will show Agnes what it is to be loved and understood for what she really is because he can see beyond her facade. Meanwhile, Agnes will help arash weather the feelings of loss *in a positive way* and she's just so in love with him ffs the woolahan twins are hard-core simps

Agnes's journey is going to be focused on accepting herself and recognising that she *was* abused since she was very very very little

And ofc Agnes's relationship with madeleine post-1864 is going to be Rocky but it'll essentially be resolved by Agnes being the biggest madiana supporter (she made them their wedding dresses!!!!!) and by Madeleine wanting to kill her mother all over again

Idek where this went I'm sorry I needed to rant

CK don’t apologize i really enjoyed reading Agnes’s backstory since you haven’t told me a lot about her, just her and Madeleine as a unit!!!

My first thought was that the Blond Man was Marcus and I 100% was about to start sobbing at the dinner table

I high key miss the 19th cenqueery gang

Poor Agnes oh my God. If I was able to kill fictional characters you created, I would be a serial killer fr. Im so happy she got the happy ending she deserves with Arash

Oh!!!!! I also saw the ask you sent to Riley explaining TKC and it made me so happy that you now included my headcanon about Genevieve to be canon now!!!!

[neoninky]

TWST Fic: "Her Devoted Shield" - Chapter 1

10, 000+ words later

Oof, ok. Here we go. Chapter 1 is up and the story is in full swing!

I'm going to let y'all dive right in. Please check out my AO3 and Masterlist for this and my other stories (also for any new readers - hi -this is the third story in my Sacred Crown Chronicles series so I highly recommend starting with 'Her Ivory Crown' first if you haven't already) Likes, comments, and reblogs (NOT reposts) are welcomed and appreciated, thank you. Ok onward

Chapter 1: Dragged into the Abyss

A year passed in its steady seasons without further written letters or talk of happenings across the ocean. The campus of Noble Bell and Fleur City both continued onward as normal. Students moved towards further study and the city thrived with its busy streets and lively festivals as it had for years. Occasionally Moselle still appeared among the people as she had before returning to the bell tower though her light was visibly dimmed. Soon enough, the fae appeared less and less. The rains began to come more often, always erratically until they stopped altogether for long periods. Rollo Flamme was no longer on campus, having left for his fourth-year studies elsewhere in the Shaftlands. About a week after his departure, the remaining students noticed that the bell tower remained empty for days. When asked, the citizens of Fleur City had not seen Moselle aside some the occasional sight of a large shadow swimming by in the river.

- 

The river flowed overhead as the currants gently carried the somber dragon fae along. Moselle returned to staying within the river, out of sight and out of mind. She put on a strong face when Rollo told her he decided to study outside the city during his final year. They knew it was coming and Moselle cared for the human boy deeply. How could she make a fuss and hold him back? Especially when human lives were so short in comparison to fae like her? Still his absence, the silence from Malleus, both only served to remind her that she was alone. She had been for years, but now? Now, Moselle couldn't escape it. It didn't matter how familiar the river felt to her. It didn't matter that it was her and her family's original home. It was empty. 

The dragon huffed a rush of frustrated bubbles and swam faster, trying to escape the bitterness biting into her. She swam until her body ached and burned. When her lungs demanded air, Moselle left the river only to hide away in the dark waterways under the bridges in her human form. The season was turning colder and soon the river would freeze over. She could return to the bell tower but...

"No, I can't stay there forever, " She mumbled as she wrapped a thick blanket she hid in that spot to shelter herself against the cold, "Maybe...maybe it's time to move on to somewhere else?"

A critical voice laughed in the back of her mind. Where would that be? Fleur City is all she had ever known. The people had been kind to her since she revealed herself to the public after the masquerade. Well, many of them have. The ones who were not kept their distance and told their children to do the same. Their eyes were always full of anxiety or fear. Moselle never took it too personally. I mean, she was strange and stuck out tremendously. There was no one else around like her...

No one.

"You're like me..."

Moselle groaned as Malleus' words from that day dug themselves up from her memory. She hated and loved it all at the same time. She wrapped her arms, the blanket, and even her tail tightly around herself, squeezing her eyes shut. Moselle loved that, for a moment, someone else saw her and felt some connection, some kinship with her on a deeper level outside of being enthralled with her strange fae nature or weary of it. Moselle also hated how she knew in the depths of her heart that no, there was no way she was like him. He was royalty. He was powerful, elegant, and charming, and he came from a place of other dragon fae that were all very similar. He wasn't some lonely, overgrown trench lizard like she was-

"Stop it," she hissed quietly, "Thinking this way won't help you at all..."

The sky was growing dark and the night would be even colder. Moselle lamented that, unlike other dragons, she couldn't breathe fire to keep herself warm. Perhaps...? A thought struck her as she quickly scrambled back onto the walkway. The people of Fleur City were known for their hospitality to visitors so surely they would extend that to her as well, yes?

-

It had started to snow just as Moselle reached the nearest inn. It retained its more rustic appearance from when it was first built but the owners were renovating it in hopes of competing with the newer hotels that set up shop over the years. If nothing else, it at least had electric lights and a lift. The light coming from the windows was welcoming and warm. Even as the door opened for patrons to exit, a few of them recognized her and gave her a friendly greeting. Her spirits lifted when the warmth washed over her, welcoming her in from the cold night. 

The owner's eyes widened as she shyly approached the front counter, "Mademoiselle Dragonne! There you are! We feared you had left our fair city for different waters." 

Moselle slowly relaxed and gave him a tired smile, "O-Oh no, no, not at all. I, uh...good evening, sir, I apologize for the short notice, it's just that I need a place to stay tonight, out of the cold." 

The man's expression tensed as he pondered, "I see. Unfortunately, many of our rooms are closed down for renovation..."

The door opened behind her to a group of travelers shuffling in from the snow. They eyed the dragon fae, grumbling about their long journey as one man stepped forward to speak with the owner about a reservation. Moselle began to feel even more out of place as the man looked her up and down with curious eyes. The owner gave the group a warm greeting before turning back to Moselle.

"Do not worry, Mademoiselle, go sit by the fire while I sort some things out." 

The dragon fae exhaled her relief, "Oh thank you so much."

Once she was nestled comfortably by the fireplace. The owner spoke with the group in hushed tones as he checked them in. While they spoke, the owner's wife approached Moselle with a warm drink and a pitying smile.

"You poor thing, here drink this. It'll help you warm up." 

The dragon took a satisfying sip before thanking the woman for her kindness, "Thank you so much. I'm so sorry for stumbling in here without reserving a room first." 

The older woman tutted as she watched the fae drink, "Nonsense, it's no trouble at all. There is a spare room in the old wing. My husband just asked the staff to get it ready for you. It's far away from the guests in the newer rooms so you shouldn't have to worry about hearing any noises during the night."

Moselle felt warmth and relief wash over her as she began digging through her long skirt pockets for any money she had on her. Before she could say a word, the owner's wife stopped her.

"Oh don't worry about payment, my dear, it's all been settled," she said gesturing to the group that had come in behind Moselle before. The man who spoke for the group gave Moselle a grin and tipped his hat to her before following the rest of the travelers up the stairs.

- 

Her room was at the end of a long hallway on one of the upper levels. It was eerily quiet so much so that Moselle was convinced she was the only one staying on the floor. She was too overcome with exhaustion to second-guess the room's placement. The owners were kind enough to give her a home-cooked meal along with the warm drink before she turned in for the night. Perhaps it was the stress leaving her body but she barely made it past the door before her head started to spin. The exhausted dragon shambled into the humble room and locked the door behind her before flopping onto the bed, pulling the top cover around herself. 

"I'm so tired...can barely m-...move..." Moselle was out within seconds, falling hard into a heavy dreamless sleep. 

It was the kind of sleep where her eyes refused to open any disturbance that her ears may have picked up. The wind pushing against the window or the creak of old pipes or floors outside her room, nothing could stir her awake. She couldn't even roll over if she felt the need. Moselle's mind was foggy, heavy, and steadily growing more anxious as she heard movement that couldn't have been the wind. Late into the night, her door creaked as it opened...but didn't she lock it? She finally opened her heavy eyes and drew a sharp breath at what she saw. Or rather who.

"Hold still, sweetheart. It's far less painful that way," the man who paid for her room loomed over her as the rest of his crew surrounded her bed. Her brain was on fire though it was hazier than ever. It screamed for her to move, attack, anything, but she couldn't even lift a finger. Her heart hammered against her ribs as the travelers drew closer, pulling tools out of their coats. Tools that wreaked with a frighteningly familiar scent: iron. 

Their leader lunged down and clamped a heavy collar around Moselle's neck that began to burn her as soon as it touched her skin, ripping a scream from her throat. 

"Get off of me!!" 

The little strength she could summon was enough to throw the man across the room before she tumbled onto the floor. The other travelers began throwing themselves on top of her, pinning her to the floor and forcing iron shackles onto her wrists and ankles. It burned her skin like a hundred hot pokers. She screamed and thrashed, throwing the men off of her back before collapsing in writhing pain. All she could do was scream before one of the men gagged her and chained her hands and feet together. The pain was so intense Moselle's body finally gave out and plunged her back into the dark. 

"They didn't put enough sedative in her food," the leader growled picking himself off the floor, "Sedate her for good measure so she doesn't wake back up. Remove the iron before it scars her. She'll fetch a far higher price unscathed." 

The four men who chained and shackled her quickly removed the trappings as another filled another syringe with the same liquid the innkeeper and his wife had drugged her with before. No one ever came to the door to check on the commotion. If anyone noticed the group of travelers carrying some bound form into the back of a loading truck in the dead of night, no one said a word.

Far too late, Rollo was notified by his peers at Noble Bell that the dragon had gone missing. Moselle was miles away from Fleur City and any trail left behind had gone cold.

-

The light in her eyes had gone out long ago. Her skin bore fading burn marks from iron used to keep her docile. The punishments worked too well. After a while, Moselle finally stopped fighting. Her master was thankful for the peace, especially now that his treasure could heal. As he prepared to open his menagerie for visitation, Moselle fully healed.

"She is exquisite! A rare diamond even amongst fae!"

The man who purchased her was a fat nobleman who smelled of sickeningly sweet roses and tobacco. He was a collector who prided himself on his discerning eye for the exotic and rare. Moselle was his greatest treasure and was kept in her room, separate from the rest of the other rare fae and monsters he had collected over the years. If it could even be called a "room". It was, more or less, a large iron cast cage: a high ceiling with foliage and other greenery to simulate the outside with a large pool of water for her to swim in and an alcove with comfortable enough bedding. There was also a lower deck for visitors to observe her as she swam in the water. It was barely different than a habitat at a zoo.

That same night she was taken, Moselle woke up barely able to open her eyes or lift her head. She couldn't see or speak as she was both blindfolded and muzzled. But her ears caught the sound of multiple voices shouting out numbers over and over. Everything was hazy but the air smelled of dust and iron. After the same sum was called out twice there was applause from the unseen audience moments before Moselle felt another sharp stab to her skin just before more sedative poured into her system. When she woke up the second time, she was there.

That was four years ago. Not that she knew that. Time continued to elude her in this prison. Outside the cage, her surroundings were tall walls of cement and steel with artificial lights in the place of windows. Also, a barrier of magic would electrocute anyone trying to enter or leave without the nobleman's permission. Moselle had no idea where she was, or what day, month, or season it was outside. She just existed to be gawked at and fawned over by her master and the others he charged to do the same. Day after day after day. She couldn't remember the last time she tried to escape, how long ago it was, just that it ended very badly. 

"You belong to me!" 

The nobleman screamed over Moselle's shrieks as his staff held her down with heavy nets made from iron chains. They dragged her into the cage she now lived in and threw her into the water once she was too weak to struggle anymore. Her punishment was hours in the dark with no food or fresh drinking water. The previous habitat had been outside in the gardens in a giant greenhouse-like dome. It was visually stunning, yes, the glass was magic proof and the metal iron, but it was still nowhere near strong enough to contain a fae hellbent on escape. It had been the third habitat the nobleman had constructed specifically for her and it was the last one she destroyed like a house of cards.

Moselle was jolted back to the present when she heard the heavy doors open. She didn't move from her alcove at first. That is until she heard multiple jovial voices. Her master had patrons today. This triggered something in the dragon's mind and she sprang up to position herself in a more visible resting spot. She learned that doing so pleased her master greatly and therefore avoided his wrath. Her master and the group of fellow gentlemen that followed in after him were talking and laughing about various things. There were one or two women amongst the group that seemed rather bored and then a third woman, blonde, in a tailored red dress and wide-brimmed hat. She was the only one who immediately made eye contact with Moselle with a gentle smile. Its strange familiarity caught Moselle off guard and yet she didn't look away from the stranger's warm hazel eyes. A sudden shout from her master broke her gaze.

"Into the water! Show my guests your glorious scales!" He laughed heartily. On the surface, it seemed like a proud parent wanting to show off their talented child but Moselle knew it was a warning. She dove into the water without a fuss as the group descended onto the lower deck to get a closer look as Moselle changed into her dragon form. The lower tank was quite large but even so, Moselle found it stiffling. 

She couldn't hear their voices clearly through the glass but judging from the guest's expressions as she swam about, Moselle knew her master would be pleased. She felt a sick mixture of relief and shame. The relief did not last as she saw her master give her a specific hand signal. He did this whenever he wanted her to spin or twirl in the water so he and others could get a better look at her. Moselle's body obeyed without question as more shame seeped into her gut. She was no better than a trained circus animal! The group laughed and applauded her little performance through the glass. All of them except the woman in red. She stood unmoving with a slight frown. It wasn't disappointment so much as it was sadness. Perhaps even a bit of frustration? Moselle couldn't tell...but what did it matter? She would get to sleep comfortably with a full belly that night. Normally that affirmation was enough but...

The woman in red was looking her straight in the eyes. She was angry. Not at Moselle, but for her. The dragon could feel it. Her master rapped his knuckles on the glass and shouted something to draw Moselle's attention to him. He made another hand signal, silently commanding her to perform another trick for his easily entertained guests. Her muscles twitched, trying to move on memory, but she resisted. She was...tired. Moselle had enough. The dragon didn't wait for another signal from her master before swimming back to the surface and returning to her alcove in her human form. The group remained in the room, talking amongst themselves, some even calling out to the fae as if she were a dog that could be beckoned over. When she ignored them, her master merely laughed.

"Ah, it seems it's having a bit of a tantrum today. Perhaps I've spoiled it too much."

Moselle huffed and rolled her eyes, keeping her back to them. A second voice broke through the laughter, "Might I have a closer look at her? My buyer is quite fascinated with her." 

It was the woman in red. Her voice was feminine though slightly husky as she spoke, emphasizing the word 'her' with authoritative posh. Moselle looked over her shoulder at the blonde woman as she walked right up to the bars without waiting for a response. The woman gave Moselle that same warm smile that felt like a comforting hand on the shoulder. Her master clumsily blurted out some answer, negating any suspicion that Moselle might be for sale, but it fell on deaf ears. The dragon fae looked the mysterious woman up and down, only now seeing her pointed ears and small fangs when she spoke. Why this gaggle of humans didn't seem to notice was beyond confusing. Unless...? Moselle sensed some magic surrounding the woman as she turned to negotiate with Moselle's master. It had to be some form of glamour. No wonder these humans didn't notice. The thought of this woman being so sneaky amused Moselle a bit. It swiftly turned to desperate anxiety once she saw the look on her master's reddening face. He was growing furious.

"It isn't for sale! The dragon belongs to me!" He shrieked like a child arguing with an adult. 

She had been called 'it', 'dragon', 'you', anything but her actual name for years. For years, she had been treated as an animal and not a person, to the point where she completely stopped speaking or trying to communicate with her captor at all. What was the point of speaking when no one around you listened? After so many years, after finally witnessing another soul treat her with even a sliver of real acknowledgment, something primal deep within her finally broke. 

The small crowd outside the cage stumbled backward as the water suddenly splashed towards them through the bars. Moselle disappeared beneath the waters for three long seconds just before a furious river dragon burst out of the waters with a terrible roar, scattering the scared humans like cockroaches. Her master began screaming commands at her in an attempt to regain the broken illusion of power as the woman in red stood rooted to the spot and watched her, awe burning in her eyes. 

The dragon snarled and huffed at the pudgy human that had caged her all these years before blasting him across the room with a geyser of water from her maw. He slid off of the cement walls like a slug. The other humans fled the room as his hired security flooded into the room. Their shouts only angered the dragon more as she began blasting them as well. The woman in red was quickly taken out of the room as Moselle's now furious master regained his footing. 

The guards quickly surrounded the habitat, readying their mage stones, one shouting out commands to 'secure the beast'. Moselle's slitted eyes narrowed as a deep growl rumbled out of her like thunder. She reared back to give them another blast when the guards all shot magic at the bars, making the cage's ceiling sink in on her. She quickly dove into the water and slammed into the glass windows to no avail. On the other side, more guards were using magic to make the glass harder than diamonds. After more shouts, large iron balls were dropped into the water. They began to release a metallic powder that burned Moselle's lungs and skin. The dragon screeched and quickly swam to the surface. The iron bars were now just above her. They hit her head, neck, and back, burning her as she quickly shrank back into her human form and desperately crawled into the alcove, now her only haven. The furious nobleman glared menacingly at the fae through the bars. 

"Do not drain the water tank, " he barked at the guards, "Leave the iron deposits and bars as they are. No food, water, or lighting for the next three days. It will learn to obey me."

As the lights were shut off and the room emptied with the definitive slam of the doors, Moselle was left with only the sound of her haggard breathing in the dark. She collapsed onto the bed, burning pain and adrenaline ripping her apart. She couldn't stop shaking.

-

The darkness consumed everything but the putrid smell of iron around her. How much longer would she be forced to live like this? What was happening outside, back home? Was Rollo alright? Did he miss her? Did he remember her?

The dragon fae used to remind herself of Fleur City before falling asleep each night: the glorious springs in full bloom and the festive autumns each year, the music, and the warmth of the people who were kind to her. But now, it was simply too painful. Now, Moselle silently prayed for a sleep that she would not wake from. Everything hurt too much. Though there was little difference in the pitch blackness, she finally felt her eyes close and her body give way into the dilapidated bed. Her breathing eventually slowed and she was out.

A sudden burst of light all around the room and the dull sound of thudding pulled Moselle back to the waking world. The lights were back on. Was her punishment over? Before she could process her feelings on the matter, they were swiftly overwritten by fear as the loud thudding suddenly became louder and closer. The metal doors shook as voices were shouting on the other side in rhythm with each strike: someone was trying to break down the doors. Moselle's eyes darted around. The cage was still too low and the water too polluted for her to transform. Instead, she crawled further into her alcove like a scared animal with no escape as the doors finally collapsed. The crash rang louder than the bells back home as sounds of chaos ripping through the menagerie poured in.

On the other side, a group of humans in militant uniforms and silver armor cleared a path to enter the room. Half seemed to be looking for other potential exits while the rest surrounded the habitat and started using their magic to cut through the cage bars. She could hear other voices ringing through the outer hallways, yelling back and forth. Once an opening was cut, one of the guards stepped forward to enter. They looked different from the others. Firstly, they were shorter than the rest and more slender looking even under their body armor that was dark and more worn. They wore a silver helmet like the others that covered their face and a red cloak that was tattered and darker along the bottom as if it had been through many other raids like this one. 

Moselle hissed and snarled at the guard who entered despite her entire body trembling like a leaf. The guard slowly approached, raising their hands to show that they were unarmed. Their comrades used magic to create a path across the pool to Moselle, but the caped one didn't rush across. Instead, they called out in an earnest voice, "We're here to help. We mean you no harm." 

It was a girl's voice. Moselle unbristled a small amount as her eyes darted around to all the other guards who slowly backed away from the habitat, giving the two inside more space. The fae didn't move. She didn't try to run or attack. She simply sat frozen, clinging to the back wall, staring as the kind-voiced stranger slowly made her way across the water. Once the stranger was on solid ground and still far away enough to not crowd Moselle, she kneeled and spoke in gentle tones.

"It's alright. I know you're frightened but we only want to help you." 

A spark of hope flickered in Moselle's tired emerald eyes. Could it possibly be true? She wanted to believe her words, but what if this was just another trap? Sensing her doubt, the stranger slowly removed her helmet. Oh, she was a young human woman. Her eyes were deep brown and held the same benevolent look the blonde woman's held before. The freckles she had in her younger days had since faded. She stood slightly taller than before. Time and strife had toned her lean build more, preparing her for the life she had chosen. Her tenacity and heart were still ever the same.

"I'm Petra Revie. I'm here to save you." 

Petra was now a twenty-two year old young woman, her school days behind her. She extended her hand to the dragon fae and waited. This girl was a stranger. For all Moselle knew, Petra could be trying to trick her. Even without words, Petra understood why the fae hesitated. So instead of forcing her to come with them, the human girl reached into a hidden pocket and pulled out a familiar piece of fabric. 

"Your friend asked us to find you, Moselle."

In her hands was a violet handkerchief covered with moons and stars. Moselle's voice was still locked away, buried under years of abuse. Even when she opened her mouth to speak, words refused to form. All she could do was gasp and half-sob with overwhelming joy before extending her shakey hand to Petra. 

-

News of the recent arrest of one of their own spread all across the Rose Queendom. From the nobility to the common citizens, shock and appall were equally shared. In print and broadcast, this man's name was ruined as his crimes were put on a full blast across the nation. Though his trial was closed to the public, everyone knew whose wrath he would be facing. 

Inside the courtroom, the accused man sat alone with a downcast expression already covered in a cold sweat before the trial even started. On the other side sat Petra in formal dress and a legal representative of the task force that had raided and shut down his menagerie. A jury was deemed unnecessary for this case. The audience in attendance were members of the royal court. Entering the heavy room with a serious look on his face was Lord Jasper Elfern. In civilian courts, there were appointed judges, lawyers, and the like to handle these sorts of things. This case, however, was brought directly before the royal family and the royal court. Unfortunately for the collector, no lawyer within the capital city was foolish enough to defend him once they caught wind of his crime and the logistics of how he was exposed. It was less of a trial and more of a last shot for the man to be proven innocent before he was sentenced. Here there was only one judge to convince and he was notorious for being obstinately committed to the facts, his queen, and little else. Jasper's voice rang out across the hall.

 "All rise, His Majesty King Rosehearts presiding." 

Petra and the others stood uniformly. The accused noble nearly fell over as soon as he heard who would be the judge for his case. The quiet clicks of his heeled shoes cut through the silence like gunshots as the stern young king entered and took his place behind the bench. Riddle to date was one of the youngest kings in the Queendom's more recent history, standing at the same 5'8 he reached upon his final years at school, and held a more controlled temper now that he was in his twenties. None of these attributes made him any less domineering, however.

His steel eyes went directly towards the accused making him wriggle like a helpless worm, "State the crimes of the accused."

Jasper listed each item with a serious tone, "Purchase and imprisonment of illegally poached monsters and other international fauna, most if not all are classified as endangered. Purchase and imprisonment of various types of fae, from various illegal underground markets. Charging admission to fellow anonymous nobility and other patrons to gain access to his 'collection'. Abuse and torture of captured monsters and fae from himself and his patrons for entertainment purposes. Including one Miss Moselle of Fleur City who was not only tortured, abused, and extorted, but also kidnapped by a paid third party and then won at an auction rigged in the accused's favor to cover any tracks that linked the kidnapping to him." The audience festered with scandalized gasps and chatter as the list continued until Riddle banged a gavel to quiet them all. The nobleman panicked and shot up out of his chair, "Your Majesty, please! This is slander! I never-"

"Silence," Riddle's gaze could crack diamonds, "I will hear from the prosecution." 

The representative next to Petra called her to the stand to testify. All of the evidence was foolproof. They had photos and receipts of each specimen that was purchased with no signs of forgery. The final straw was the clear photos of Moselle being caged inside a habitat and then close-up, clinical shots of the injuries she sustained on her skin from the last bout of abuse she suffered. The courtroom erupted with the nobleman's desperate cries and the backlash from the audience behind him.

"This is outrageous! I never laid a hand on it-er-her! I had no idea who she was or that she had been taken by force! If anything I should be the one prosecuting you!" the incensed man pointed an angry, stumpy finger at Petra, "My property was broken into and vandalized by this woman and her lot-"

Riddle's gavel came down with a thunderous crack, "ORDER! Be seated and silent at once!" Once the ego-wounded man finally shut his trap and slid down in his chair, Riddle addressed Petra directly, "Miss Revie, did you and your comrades act on your own accord or were you sent on that raid?"

"We were gathered and deployed by a higher command, Your Majesty," Petra's eyes could bore holes straight into the guilty noble's forehead with how angry she looked.

"Tell the court who this higher command was, Miss Revie," Riddle already knew the answer, but it needed to be said before the proper verdict could be given. 

"The Rose Queen, Her Majesty Reine Rosehearts," Petra had to fight to not smirk as the noble's face turned ghost white, "the Queen received an anonymous report along with the same evidence presented here that one of her subjects was committing heinous crimes right under her nose."

The man was trembling beyond reason, "Y-Your Excellency, I-I-" 

Riddle stood and slammed both hands onto the podium. His expression was calm but his eyes and voice burned, "Based on the evidence and accounts given here today, I conclude that the accused dared to dishonor his Queen and country with these foul acts and then has the gall to feign innocence? Am I correct, sir?"

All eyes dared the pitiful man to argue, heavy silence pressing in on him as everyone waited for an answer. There was no escape for him. He was doomed the moment he was caught. The man broke down into a pathetic fit of sobs, utterly defeated. Riddle sat back down and proceeded to give his verdict.

"I find the defendant guilty. He is sentenced to life in prison without parole. He is stripped of his title as are his heirs and wife. The remaining members of his household are banned from the royal court, even by association. Any remaining properties or laundered money connected to his crimes will be confiscated at once." 

Not a moment after the gavel was banged for the final time was the guilty man cuffed and dragged out of the courtroom. This specific courtroom was a part of the royal palace and used for the most dire of cases. Or at least the ones that Riddle felt needed his attention. The fact that his wife and queen played a great part in bringing that bastard to justice only enflamed his cause. For the protection of his wife and future family, the courtroom was kept outside the vast grounds of their home but still away from the public of the capital city. 

The two old friends were escorted into a protected vehicle and driven back to the royal grounds proper. Petra finally let herself relax into the leather seats with a heavy sigh. Riddle let his stern guard down and gave the princess a satisfied grin, "Well done once again, Petra."

"Thank you, Riddle," it felt too weird to call him by his proper title when it was just the two of them even now, "I couldn't have done it without your and Reine's support, naturally. The Rose Queendom's police force is no joke." 

The young king grinned proudly, "Oh yes. Only the best serve and protect under Reine's rule. Whether it's in the light of day or behind the scenes. Speaking of which...how many raids have you and the task force completed over the years, Petra?"

Honestly, she had lost count. It all started her fourth year at Sacred Crown during what was supposed to be a political internship based in her kingdom that bordered what is now Briar Valley. Petra selected one that would allow her to serve the people instead of just sitting in a castle, overlooking them. That's how it started but soon the ugly truth reared its head. There had been an influx of game hunters crossing the borders and infiltrating the mountains and forests between the human and fae kingdoms. It was brushed off as 'wildlife management' by her father's advisors and the local authorities. Come to find out, no, it was anything but that. 

Her people, in the name of technological advancement, were trapping fae and siphoning off their magic to use it to power machinery for their businesses, harvesting and expanding their farmlands, and even sourcing out power for factories and power grids. She always knew that her kingdom was behind others when it came to technology. The entire land that held both her kingdom and Briar Valley was richly steeped in magic and raw nature so it was difficult to build any sort of metropolis like other countries around the world. In a way, Petra loved the land for that reason. Still, her people took advantage of smaller weaker fae to help themselves, and any larger, stronger fae that happened to be subdued were sold off in secret marketplaces or auctions much like the one Moselle was forced into. It was gruesome and unbearable. Petra couldn't and wouldn't stand for it. Instead of the homecoming of a princess her people expected after she graduated, Petra Revie took matters into her own hands. In turn, well, public opinion regarding the princess was greatly polarized and not always in favor of good. Those who supported their princess joined her cause. This was only the beginning, however. Once Petra discovered that these dubious transactions weren't just happening at home but in other countries as well, she left her faction to oversee things in their kingdom and set out across the sea. Her journey brought her to the Rose Queendom at the dawn of Reine's ascension to the throne.

"Petra? You have been here for quite a few years now. Not that you're never welcome here, just..." Riddle had his concerns as did many in Petra's life. While he was now king of a nation, Petra was a friend and an ally, not a subject to be ruled. Judging from the growing frown on her face as she avoided his gaze was a further testament to this.

"The throne is in good hands. Besides, I was able to shut down those markets in my kingdom and come to find out, others are perpetuating the problem in other countries, like here," Petra ignored the pit of guilt brewing in her gut, "I want to ensure that fae everywhere, not just back home, are safe and free to live peacefully." 

Riddle's expression softened into a proud smile, "Your efforts have not been in vain, Petra. Thanks to you and Mr. Zhao, we've been able to rescue hundreds just over the past two years alone. It's hard to imagine in today's world such prejudice and ill-treatment of fae still runs rampant..."

Petra snorted as the car came to a stop, "You can call him Tai instead of 'Mr. Zhao'. It makes him feel old. I mean he is like six or seven hundred years old, but you didn't hear that from me."

The two exited the car as Riddle hummed to himself, "Well I must say he looks fantastic for his age, not a day over three hundred at least." 

Petra's loud chuckle echoed into the corridor as she followed Riddle to the throne room, "Heeey, look who grew a sense of humor!"

-

Warm light faded into the quiet room with a soft breeze brushing up against the sleeping dragon's face. The sinfully soft bed she had been resting in was a sweet haven from the nightmare Moselle had survived. She felt entirely too groggy yet so rested all at once. She slowly sat up with a deep yawn and looked down at the nightgown on her in confusion. It took her brain a minute or two or remind her how exactly she got here. The mental recap was interrupted by a knock on the bedroom door. Moselle opened her mouth to answer but only a tiny rasp came out, reminding her yet again how out of practice her vocal cords were.

The door opened letting a kind greeting float into the room, "Oh good you're finally awake, Miss Moselle. Good morning."  A young woman entered with a soothing presence. She was quite petite and youthful with rose pink doe eyes and mint blue wavy hair, cut short for ease. The tiny mole under her left eye only added to her charm. Moselle looked her up and down, not recognizing her or the healer uniform she was wearing. Her soft voice did sound familiar though. The healer pushed a tray with a full tea set and some breakfast into the room with her, "I thought you might be hungry after all that rest so I prepared you something. I hope you like it."

A wave of deja vu suddenly crashed over Moselle as she remembered the last free meal she was offered before she was taken. She nervously backed up onto the bed, shaking her head. The girl didn't seem offended in the slightest. She just gave the dragon a gentle smile and placed the cover back over the food, "It's alright, I understand you're probably feeling rather disoriented after all of...that. For what it's worth, I assure you that you are quite safe here in the Rose Queendom. Her Majesty has tasked me with keeping a close eye on you while you've slept since arriving...uh let's see...three days ago?"

The dragon's eyes nearly popped out of her head. She slept for three whole days?! The girl's soft-spoken tone suddenly vanished as she laughed at the fae's exaggerated expression, "You had quite the nap!" She snorted mid-giggle before quickly clearing her throat and returning to her original reserved tone, "Apologies. As I said, you are quite safe here under Her Majesty's watch. She would never let a guest suffer in her house-er-palace." 

Moselle's eyes drifted about the room, finally noticing just how grand it was even for a spare room. That's right...that armored girl and a bunch of others rescued her and brought her here. Her senses felt conflicted between relief and learned trauma as they took in the smell of roses in the air. It was a fresh and sweet smell, unlike the concentrated cologne that the abusive noble constantly wore. No, this place was very different. She looked over at the tray of food right as her stomach loudly growled. The healer smiled knowingly as she uncovered the food and started preparing a cup of tea for the dragon. 

"You may eat whenever you are ready. I promise it's not poisoned," another giggle-snort escaped from her before she tried to recover yet again, "Oh, sorry, I'm Astrid by the way. Astrid Piperita. I'm one of the many healer mages that studied here in the Rose Queendom and I've been charged with aiding in your recovery." 

"...Tha...Than...k...y-y...ou..." Moselle felt a bit mortified at how much she was struggling with such a simple sentiment. She felt a bitter lump form in her throat which only frustrated her more. 

Astrid sat down in her chair next to the bed and handed Moselle the teacup, "Here. This herbal blend will help relax your throat. I also have some books for you to practice reading aloud later if you want. That way you can get used to speaking again at your own pace." 

The kindness in Astrid's pastel eyes made Moselle's start to water. She quickly wiped the budding tears away and nodded. The healer beamed, "Excellent. But first, you need to eat. After your breakfast, how about we go outside? The palace has the most gorgeous gardens in the city, if not the country. Fresh air and sunshine will do you good. And don't worry, I'll stay with you so you don't get lost."

Moselle felt her whole body start to lighten as the sweet little healer cut up her food into smaller pieces for easier consumption.

-

"It's all been settled, My Queen."

Riddle kissed his wife's hand after finishing his report of the morning's events. Reine Rosehearts thanked her darling husband with no shortage of adoration in her eyes as he sat down on the throne next to hers. Petra thought it sweet that the couple was still so in love with each other. On the other hand, she felt kinda awkward being in the same room as them. Thankfully Reine knew when to get straight to business.

"Petra, has Mr. Flamme responded yet?"

The princess frowned, "Unfortunately, he's not one for using an actual cellphone so not yet. You'd think that he'd be easier to get in touch with considering he reached out to us first." 

Reine pondered a mere second before calling for the footman, "No matter. We'll simply have to reach out differently. Bring the Looking Glass at once, please."

The rabbit beastman swiftly left the throne room and just as quickly returned with a very large, antique mirror he wheeled in with the help of another rabbit. Petra was impressed but not surprised.

"I guess people do still use these things, huh." 

Reine rose from her throne with a satisfied grin, "Modern technology is useful but when in doubt, the classics work just as well. Mr. Flamme said he would be expecting us any time now so hopefully this will do the trick."

The queen cleared her throat and thought for a moment before speaking in a clear voice in front of the mirror, "Fleur City. Monsieur Flamme, please." Both Riddle and Petra stood at her side, curiously waiting.

The glass started to shift like water before a blurry image began to smooth itself out. Across the oceans in Fleur City, Rollo Flamme was busying himself inside his home's study. His expression was as tired and dead serious as ever. Very little about him changed over the years. On the wall across from him hung a much smaller version of the mirror Reine was using. When letters weren't fast enough, or he couldn't be bothered to find his misplaced phone, the magic mirror was Rollo's go-to for long distance communication. Even in a dire circumstance such as this, the young man still couldn't seem to keep track of his cell phone.

"Monsieur Flamme?"

Reine's voice made Rollo's head pop up from his work with a look of surprise, "Ah, Your Majesty."

He quickly made his way across the room, bracing himself. He had been waiting for news for over a year now. He silently prayed that today he would finally hear something to feel joyful about. Reine addressed him with a pleased look.

"We found her. She is here, safe and sound."

Rollo exhaled a breath he felt he had been holding for years, "Ah. Thank goodness. I owe you an immense debt of gratitude, Your Majesties, thank you," his tired eyes shifted to Petra, "And to you, Lady Revie." 

Petra was never one for overt thank yous or compliments, "I was just doing my duty, Rollo-er-Monsieur Flamme, sir." 

Petra and Reine both filled Rollo in on what they discovered, how they found Moselle and her current condition. The entire time he listened, Rollo felt bitter anger boil his blood. He knew deep down that the dear fae would never want him to feel guilty for leaving all those years ago even after her terrible experience. Even so, he had to know...

"What happened to that man? And the poachers?" His expression was a stone-cold mask hiding his stewing temper.

Riddle stepped forward and explained the sentencing that had happened that morning, "He will be spending the rest of his life in a cell. As for the poachers, we've detained more than half of their men already. We're on the trail of the others as we speak. They will be facing the same sentence if I have anything to say about it." 

Rollo's brow was as sharp as his tone, "Good."

Reine moved the conversation forward to the important next step, "I want you to rest assured that Moselle is receiving the best care and is more than welcome to stay in the royal palace until she is fully recovered, Monsieur. However, I am concerned about what comes after..."

Before anything was said, Rollo could tell he and the Rose Queen were thinking the same thing. Even with the culprits brought to justice, Rollo was still burdened with worry about Moselle's safety in the long run. He sighed and looked out into his city which had changed greatly with time.

"Though I am happy to know that Moselle is alive and in good hands for now, I'm afraid...returning here is no longer an option," he didn't bother hiding the creeping sadness on his face, "the possibility that there won't be others seeking her out isn't guaranteed. Even if it were, the river here on which she was born has been greatly neglected by the city since she disappeared. There have been efforts to restore it but it will take a great deal of time. Taking both into account, I do not believe that Fleur City is the best place for Moselle anymore." 

The king and queen shared a disheartened look between them as they pondered over Rollo's words. Petra huffed, frustrated at no one in particular.

"I understand what you're saying but Fleur City is her home, isn't it? Does she know anywhere else? Or anyone else for that matter? Staying here would ultimately be just as dangerous wouldn't it?"

Unfortunately, that was true. The Rose Queendom had more rural towns far away from the capital but who was to say that she wouldn't run into the same danger of capture there? 

"A dragon fae would have a hard time thriving here in the city as well..." Reine sighed, not sure what to do, "Do you have any recommendations, Monsieur Flamme? You know her better than any of us."

There was one possibility upon Moselle's secure return that had haunted Rollo ever since he requested help in the first place. There was one place where a dragon fae could reside, surrounded by other fae like herself. Only one place came to mind and he loathed the very idea of it. He looked back to his desk where a box of faded, carefully stored letters and postcards sat. Each one bore the same sender's name: 'Malleus Draconia'. If there was anyone in the world who could keep a fellow dragon safe from ill-intentioned humans...

"I don't know if this is a viable possibility as of right now. However..."

-

The sunshine seemed so foreign that it was almost completely new all over again. Moselle stood out in the open space in complete awe. The smell of the flowers, the feeling of fresh grass under her bare feet, and the birdsongs filling the air filled the dragon to the brim with a sense of wonder that she had forgotten.  

"Moselle? Would you like to sit under the gazebo?"

Astrid had just finished setting the table with a pitcher of water and some snacks just in case Moselle was still hungry. The dragon was so enamored with her surroundings she didn't answer the healer. Astrid watched her before joining Moselle in the sun. 

"It's lovely out here isn't it?" she sighed before plopping down in the grass, lying down to face the sky. She patted the spot next to her when Moselle gave her a curious look. The fae slowly got down to sit on her knees next to Astrid. The doe-eyed girl pointed to a fluffy cloud, calling out what it reminded her of. Moselle wasn't sure what was happening but it felt nice. Astrid would pick more clouds and then giggle about how they reminded her of something called a mock turtle or a sleeping flamingo. 

"I think that one looks more like a walrus, honestly..."

Moselle jolted at the sudden voice coming from behind them. Astrid looked towards the large tree with a smile, "Oh Tai. There you are." 

The fae quickly turned her head to see a figure lounging comfortably in the thick, low-hanging branches. It was a man with a svelte figure and familiar blond hair loosely braided over his shoulder. His warm hazel eyes met hers, and all at once her brain haphazardly connected the dots. Moselle's eyes widened and her mute mouth hung open as this "Tai" fellow slipped out of the branched and approached the two young women. 

"Afternoon Astrid," his voice was deeper but just as smoothly precise now, "And Miss Moselle, good to see you in much better conditions." It had to be him. Or her? Moselle was confused but the look and smile matched. 

The fae looked him up and down, noting that he did have pointed ears and small fangs. She couldn't help the confusion on her face as she slowly pointed and mumbled, "...Ma...male...?"

Tai looked himself over as Astrid burst into a giggle fit, "Ah. Yes, I do look very different now than the last time we saw each other. Though personally, I thought I pulled the red dress off quite well." There wasn't a hint of shame or sarcasm in his tone. 

"Red is your color, yes," Astrid agreed in full seriousness. 

Perhaps this wasn't strange? Wait, was she being too blunt? Moselle's face turned pink as she muttered a weak apology, "S-sor-ss-sorry!"

The blonde fae just chuckled, "There's nothing to apologize for, my dear. The whole point was that the look was convincing, so I'll take your confusion as a compliment." 

"Tai is a professional. He's been undercover confusing his enemies with his pretty face for years," Astrid said a bit too bluntly with the grin of an admiring child. 

"Aiya," the fae scowled, "What kind of explanation is that Astrid? I am a professional in reconnaissance, stealth, and hand-to-hand combat specifically, not just playing 'dress up'," seeing more confusion take over the dragon fae's face, Tai cleared his throat and started again.

"I am Zhao  Tai-Yang, a fox fae from The Land of Red Dragons," he traditionally bowed to her, "but you may call me Tai. It's easier for most to pronounce. You've met my ward, Petra, though briefly. I imagine she's speaking with the queen at this moment." 

Moselle felt like her head was about to explode with all this new information. So these people rescued her, brought her to a rose-filled kingdom with a queen, and one was a medical human, another human in armor, and then a very androgynous fox fae from a far-off land that she vaguely remembered hearing about at Noble Bell before. These two seemed very friendly and trustworthy so far so surely the armored human was too? At least she hoped so. The conflicted feelings from before began pulling her at the seams once again. This place and everyone she met so far seemed nice but what if they weren't? What if it was a farce? What if she never got to go home ever again? On the other hand...did she even want to go back home to a city where others with nice voices and faces let her get taken away and tortured? The last thread holding her together finally snapped and her vision quickly blurred with salt water. Her mental dam broke hard and fast.

Astrid quickly sat up once Moselle's body began to tremble, "Moselle??"

The clear skies above suddenly clouded over with the rumbles of thunder. The dragon's ragged breath turned into a painful heave that pushed the tears down her distraught face and broke the clouds above in heavy rainfall. Astrid squealed and jumped to her feet, "Oh no, oh no! Moselle! Oh dear..." 

The dragon sobbed in the raspy remnants of her voice. Her tears wouldn't stop. Astrid managed to summon a large umbrella with magic and held it over herself and Moselle as she quietly cooed gentle words to calm the tormented fae. Tai stood silently in the rain, unmoving and soaked to the bone. He watched the poor girl cry and then the healer trying to console her before he finally spoke in an even tone, "Astrid, give her space, please." 

The human took the fox's advice and backed away while still holding the umbrella over the dragon, shielding her from the rain. The two of them stood in the downpour and let the dragon continue to grieve for several minutes. Moselle finally lifted her puffy, tearful eyes to look at the two strangers who had stayed with her this entire time. Both of them offered her reassuring looks. They weren't leaving. They weren't running from the storm. The dragon sniffled and sobbed now for an entirely different reason. 

The fox slowly closed the distance and joined Moselle under the umbrella, kneeling before her just as Petra did when she had come to Moselle's rescue. His warm smile didn't falter though he was a completely drenched mess. The dragon looked at him like a lost child. This wasn't the first time in his many years of seeing that look.

"Oh my dear...I may not understand completely, but I do know you have been through so much terror and I am so sorry," Tai's voice was full of patience and wisdom that couldn't be taught, "Just know, that while it will take some time for you to heal, to feel at peace, you are safe and among friends."

The heartfelt smile on Astrid's face only confirmed every word the fox had said. Any doubt previously holding her back was cast aside as Moselle's body moved on its own, searching for some sort of anchor. Tai gave a soft grunt as the dragon tightly embraced him, still sniffling and sobbing quietly to herself. The fox wrapped his arms around her and gently patted her wet hair without hesitation as if he had cared for the fae all her life. 

"Ah child, it's going to be alright. You're going to be alright," he hushed her cries like a doting parent.

Astrid sighed and lowered the umbrella as the rain stopped. This wasn't exactly the kind of day that she had planned for but it was a good start. The final member of their crew called from the garden's entry. 

"What's going on with the weather-AH!" Petra froze at the sight of the drenched trio, "What happened to you guys?"

Moselle recognized her immediately. This was Petra, the one who saved her. The girl's expression shifted from confusion to concern once she saw Moselle hunched over on the ground in Tai's arms, both of them a mess. The princess approached them and looked straight at Moselle without a hint of fear.

"Hey, are you alright? Are you still hurt?" 

The dragon nodded silently, suddenly feeling worlds better than before. Petra heaved a sigh of relief, "Oh thank goodness. Come on, let's get you dried off, ok? Can't have you catching a cold on your first days of freedom."

Petra's laugh was light and carefree as she helped Moselle to her feet. She offered a hand to Tai as well, "You too, old man. Actually, can fae get sick-AH!"

The fox made Petra shriek as he started shaking off the water like a dog before casually getting to his feet, "We can though we aren't as feeble as my rude ward here seems to think." 

"We still need to dry off!" Astrid, just as soaked through as the two fae but suddenly steeled with purpose, summoned a stack of dried towels and began drying off Moselle's horns and hair for her, "Temperature regulation is important to maintain one's health! Also, we're going to need more tea!" 

Moselle swiftly found herself back inside, changed into fresh clothes, wrapped in a blanket, and seated at a table with the three companions drinking more tea. She was once again unsure of how she got there but...she wasn't upset about it. Moselle sipped her tea in silence as the other three talked and joked amongst themselves. They were like a little family. Petra leaned over and began chatting with the dragon as Astrid began serving snacks.

"Sorry for everything being chaotic. This is just how we are...sometimes," she laughed awkwardly, "Anyway, hello again. I'm Petra Revie. I'm happy to see you're up and about finally. Astrid is one of the best so you're in good hands."

Astrid cooed affectionately on the other side of Moselle, "Oh, that's sweet of you to say. I just do my best, that's all." 

"And you met Tai. He's the eyes and ears of our group. He's taught me almost everything I know," Petra beamed.

The fox was leaned back in his chair with a sly grin, "Almost, she said. Well, I suppose you're right. I certainly didn't teach you that sloppy footwork you used in your swordfighting the other day, pup." 

Petra wildly gasped making the other two laugh, "Hey, it's not that bad!" 

Pup?? Moselle's head tilted to the side with questions. While the other two bantered back and forth like a true guardian and child, Astrid whispered to the dragon.

"Tai has been with the  Revie family for generations. He was there when Petra was born. I've only known them both for about two or three years, but we've been working closely together this whole time. So he likes to call us his 'pups'. It's adorable, don't you think?"

The sentiment was catching, making Moselle grin for the first time since she could remember. They were a little family.

--------------------------------------------

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