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melissanovels · 4 years ago

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♡ Here they are!! Chapters 1 & 2 of TRANSIENT TIME TRAVELLER are out! ♡

○ Read on my Website ○ Read on Tumblr (below) ○ Read on Ao3 ○

TTT is an LGBTQ+ historical fantasy novel about Aida, a time traveller hellbent on proving the innocence of a 1,200-year-old dead queen, and Lorian, an escaped princess-turned-officer who wants to drain the royal blood from their body, & the two coming together with the help of their mischievous future selves.

♡ Reblogs are appreciated! ♡

Read Chapter 1 + 2 Below:

Chapter 1: Six Weeks Before

Aida’s life was forever changed when she received a letter in the mail.

She never got letters. Being adopted into a small family in a smaller farm in Bělico didn’t bless her with birthday gifts or congratulatory mail. She estimated that no one other than her stepmother and her stepsisters knew of her existence, so Aida ghosted through life without much interference.

But she knew this letter, had been anticipating it for weeks since she’d sent in her application under her mother’s nose. It was handwritten on high-quality paper, the feeling new to her, foreign, and was branded with the seal of the Roman lion. She’d dreamt of getting these royal letters in the mail, wishful hope turning into dread come nighttime, but she hadn’t thought she'd receive a reply, let alone a letter of acceptance.

She’d been tending to the farm, or the cows, mainly. The chickens, pigs, sheep, and goats had been taken care of and her stepmother and stepsisters had their two horses out on a carriage ride to the village, so all that was left to handle was their five highland cows. Big, burly creatures more fur than hide. It took Aida more time to heave the heavy bales of hay into their stables, to groom them, wash them, clean out their troughs. She’d hadn’t even heard the post carrier arrive, she’d been on the other side of the property. When she realized her family would be home soon, she hurried to get everything done so her stepmother would be in a better mood. Well, a less shit one.

There was one piece of mail that day, and it’d been addressed to Aida.

When her mother and sister finally came home and found Aida on the floor, frantically rereading the letter with the envelope torn with her teeth, they must’ve assumed she’d had jumped and was writhing in pain as a result.

She was writhing, but not because she’d travelled backwards in time. Her brain was spinning, eyes watering due to some type of emotion she couldn’t name. After fighting for years, she’d finally earned this damned six-year scholarship to Durante Academy.

Not that wanting to dorm at a school named after King Durante’s lineage was something she was excited about. She detested almost everything the royal family did, and she didn’t even live in Roma. Roma, or Roma City, was 1,500 kilometers away, across the sea and doing far better for itself than her home country of snow-covered farmlands. She should’ve loathed becoming a student in the country with the bloodiest warpath, the worst, most prejudiced ruler, and the shittiest armed forces since the time of gladiators.

But how she’d dreamed of walking through those academic halls, taking in the prestigious lessons in fervor and staying up late to perfect a soon-to-be perfectly marked test. Schools in Bělico, you were expected to drop out of after primary school to work your family’s farms. It made sense for some people. Agriculture was the biggest export for the country, so families expected many hands to tend to the fields.

But that wasn’t Aida’s path. Ever since she’d been adopted, Aida Mirko had set her sights on becoming a historian, and that path was only attainable in the sparkling, problematic country of Roma.

It was only after Aida heard her mother slam the door did she realize her mistake: being indulgent.

“What’re y’all doing?” one of her stepsisters, Ekaterina, asked.

“You tracked in mud,” her other sister, Olga, said. She had her upper lip curled as she looked over where Aida had run in from the fields.

Her mother looked over the mess Aida had made, then at the letter still in her hand.

Then she slapped her across the cheek and sent her glasses across the living room.

She should’ve expected it. How dare her. Here she was, trying to better herself in a world where most people wanted her kind dead, and she’d just been accepted into one of the world’s most prestigious academies known in Roma. It had only a seven percent acceptance rate. To any parent, that would’ve been cause for celebration.

Her mother grabbed Aida by the collar and dragged her upstairs to her room. Her mother and sisters lived downstairs near the warm fireplaces, while Aida had the joy of taking the stairs she struggled with and lived in the cold attic at the top of the steps. She had a fucking cane and a limp, and these people couldn’t care less.

“Mo’mma, wait—”

Her mother slammed the bedroom door behind her. “How dare you?”

Aida fell backwards into her bed.

“You ain’t going,” she decided. “You have obligations here. You work the farm, you care for us. How selfish can you be, leaving all of that to become a damned academic?”

“I want…to be a historian,” Aida said, trying so hard to carefully explain something she’d wanted for years. With her limp, it was difficult to do any sort of manual labor. She got tired easily, her dizzy spells were becoming more frequent. Her sisters, they weren’t expected to do half the chores she was forced to do, yet she did them. She hated herself, but she did as she was told because it gave her a roof over her head and food on the table and a bed to dream about a life better than this. In the rare hours she had for sleep, she studied and overworked her abilities to prove that a Visatorre deserved to learn, something that’d been barred from her people for centuries.

She didn’t expect praise, or admiration. She couldn’t dream like that. All she wished was for her mother to stop hitting her. She didn’t know why she was selfish asking that.

Her mother stood tall over her. “You ain’t going.”

Aida fixed her broken glasses over her nose. “I was accepted.”

“I ain’t paying for it.”

“I know that.”

“What do you mean ‘I know that’? You won’t be able to afford it. The journey ’cross the sea alone is ten gold.”

To her mother, it’d seem that way, but Aida had been saving up. For years, she’d been putting away her childhood allowance underneath the broken floorboard next to her bed. After turning fifteen, her mother had stopped paying her for her work. Aida had thought it was because her mother had finally seen her as a daughter more than a servant. Then she found out Ekaterina’s and Olga’s allowance had doubled.

So, she’d taken to writing school papers for the local village kids. Those who were able to write had trouble forming their thoughts in persuasive essays, so Aida wrote them top-grade papers about history, war, massacres of her own people and the rise of these dictatorships she hated, all behind her mother’s back. If her mother had found that out, she would’ve thrown Aida into the village stockades for lying because “Visatorre folk weren’t smart like normal folk.”

“I have the money,” Aida summarized.

“I don’t care if you got a fortune! Y’all ain’t gonna throw away your life and waste it on an academy when you’re needed here.”

“I’ll be gone, isn’t that what you’d want?” she shot back, the fear of speaking back pitching her voice. “I’ll be gone for six whole years, and I swear, whatever money I make—”

“‘Money I make’, she says. What money you gonna make there? You know Roma don’t take well to you folk as well as Bělico people do. You’ll be ridiculed. You’ll be ostracized.”

“So how different would it be from here?” Aida wanted to ask. Circa, how she wished she was brave enough to say that. If she’d been high, that defiance would’ve come out, but it would’ve only resulted in her being hit harder.

Aida lowered her head, feigning a defeat.

Her mother harrumphed and tied up her brown hair in a messy bun. “That’s what I thought. Now.” She held out her hand. Aida flinched. “Give me that letter.”

“No,” Aida said. “Please, just…let me keep it. For memory’s sake.”

Her mother rolled her eyes and wiped her hands on her apron. “Get up and help with the groceries, since you didn’t want to help when we came in. The rest are in the carriage.”

Aida nodded and went for her cane. It was a dark, simple thing made from a tree branch in the woods around them.

Her mother kicked it and knocked it into the wall. The force made it tip and spill Aida’s half-filled drinking glass to the ground.

Aida froze.

“Realize your stance in this house,” her mother warned, “and stop making such foolish decisions behind my back.”

“I will,” Aida said, and waited for her mother to leave down the stairs, where she heard her sisters whispering about what their mother had just told their servant daughter.

She gripped her cane as tightly as she could. The one thing about being in your twenties was that, while you might’ve been afraid of your parents and they’d wrecked your self-confidence and self-worth beyond recognition for more than a decade, if you had the money and the drive to defy the Gods, you could change your future for the better.

After hearing her mother leave, Aida went for her travel bags.

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

Nights at the Mirko household came early, as they—she—had to get up at four in the morning to take care of the livestock. Feed them, gather the eggs, change the hay, sweep out both barns, weed out the gardens. Aida half-expected her mother to put more energy into their own livelihood instead of working on how to destroy her own daughter’s confidence, but she couldn’t expect much of anything from them anymore.

Aida knew she was smart. She wouldn’t have gotten her scholarship if she hadn’t been. All the years of extra-credit and letter after letter of recommendations had paid off. It didn’t matter what her mother thought of her. She would reclaim her dignity without her.

The night she received her letter, Aida woke up at three and began packing. It’d taken a chunk of her savings to leave now, as she’d planned to leave later towards the school year where travel costs decreased, but she’d manage. She always did. She currently had seventy pieces of gold lyria to her name. It wasn’t much—it barely covered a month’s worth of groceries for her family—but if she used it right, it’d get her a life without them in it.

Because, in all her twenty-three years of living, she knew that “family” could go fuck themselves with how much good they did for her.

She dressed in a black dress fit for the night and braided her hair in her favorite way, down her front in two braids that never seemed even. She was bigger than most girls: both of her sisters’ weights combined. She hoped the school uniforms could accommodate her, and that they weren’t tacky. She needed a self-esteem boost, not a downgrade from what clothes she’d been given.

After packing her non-essentials, she got to work packing the more important items: her journals, thick with cut-outs and pictures from used books she’d pasted into it; her history texts on the once luxurious country of Siina and its murdered queen; the first book in the En Tempore Rose sextet, Pinnacle Isle; and the signed playbooks from the opera-ballet adaptation she’d bartered for in exchange for an eight-page essay.

She’d gone to see the opera once, and by “seen,” she meant she’d snuck away into the theatre for ten minutes during a family trip to Roma City when she was six. It’d been during a trading festival where they earned their summer wealth. She’d snuck into the massive theater constructed within the colosseum and caught the last few minutes of the performance before being discovered.

She’d been beaten so hard that she didn’t remember much of the opera, but she remembered loving it. Those few minutes near the stage that made her heart stop and restart with the love of her favorite stories, both real and imaginary. The ballerinas dressed in snow-white lace, the glitter that danced from the rafters. It’d sparked her desire to be a ballerina before she found out that Visatorre were neither allowed to be performers on the stage nor were they allowed to even watch a costly opera to begin with. They were a “risk” to those around them if they travelled backwards into time.

At least she had her journals. She had a dozen or so hand-bound journals she’d made herself because God knew her mother wouldn’t have bought them for her. They detailed her favorite moments in history. Nothing of wars or tyrannical, egotistical kings she couldn’t stand learning about. She was interested in the people, the interpersonal relationships between the royal families and their citizens. Their dresses, the food they ate, the ways they lived their menial lives a millennia ago.

And Eve, a magnificent, tolerant queen to a dead city-state that once held 100,000 Visatorre within its peaceful walls. Aida loved her, knew everything about her life from the minute she was born to the day she was executed. Her city-state, Siina, had once been a well-established community within Roma that could’ve rivaled the country in time.

History said Eve had murdered the Roman king’s wife, so in retaliation, he’d killed her, her lineage, and all 100,000 Visatorre of Siina, burying them within the Catacombs underneath Roma City.

Aida knew for a fact that that part of history was wrong. She’d written papers and thesis on Eve for years, and she couldn’t see the dead queen dipping so far as to murder someone she should’ve seen as an ally. She’d been a young, proud, dedicated Visatorre that housed and raised and loved the biggest population of Visatorre the world had ever seen. Yes, she was rash with some of her decision-making, and she might’ve been labeled “eccentric” in today’s terms, but to murder someone so powerful for no reason, it didn’t add up. It didn’t make sense.

So, Aida was bent on becoming a historian, to rewrite the history books with the truth rather than the propagated schlock crammed down their throats.

After zipping up her final bag, she readied her three-kilometer-long walk to the village. It was mostly leveled terrain, but still, it always burdened her legs. One bad jump six years ago had fucked up her hips, or her back, or her spine, or all three, given her exceptionally bad luck. No doctor had a concrete reason as to why Visatorre were injured when they jumped into the past, they only knew the farther back you went, the worse you came back. Some Visatorre who’d jump 100, 200 years back would come back burning from the inside or with missing limbs, screaming in pain until they needed to take something to their skull to mask the pain. Aida, with all that was stacked up against her, always considered herself lucky that she only needed a cane to get around.

She closed the garden gates slowly, taking the back entrance so she didn’t wake the easily spooked ducks. No more farmlands, no more chores done by six and being hit behind closed doors. Despite years of fucking up, making her think she was useless, too slow, too stupid to be anything more than a servant in her own home, Aida was to mentally burn this place to the ground with her accomplishments.

Or physically, if she became so bold and dire for actual jail time.

She paused at the start of the cow field, eyes darting left and right. While she wouldn’t burn down the farm—she couldn’t hurt the animals—she could do something else. Something more.

She crept into the chicken coop and burgled twenty-four of the largest eggs, enough to keep her fed for a few days, and another six for the carriage. Not hers, but her mother’s, or the one she’d already promised for Olga when she eventually married. Keeping her movements quiet, Aida smashed her extra eggs into the seats and dug the yolk deep into the hides. Then she took charcoal she always kept in her dress pockets and ruined one side of the barn in graffiti. She dumped the milk she’d gotten for that day, she let the chickens loose from the coop. Dumped the drinking water over the hay, overturned the trough. Everything she could do to make her family’s life horrible, but not enough to send an officer after her.

If they connected it to a Visatorre’s doing, she might’ve had one on her tail. Luckily, she wasn’t planning on ever coming back.

She paced herself as she made her way into the village. Idti, a racist outcropping of 500 farmers who’d sell their own daughters for a lick of gold. She kept a knife in her pocket when walking down the dirt roads, waiting to hear someone run up behind her and rob her. Luckily, the carriage house she was planning on using was close to the main road. Beyond the village stretched out a long path to the sea. She could almost smell the cold, salty air.

One driver was smoking near his carriage and reading the paper with his boots kicked up. As Aida neared with lantern and cane in hand, he gave her a look. He made no attempt to hide his ogling at her Visatorre marking: a white circle engraved in the middle of her forehead. Every Visatorre obtained one the first time they travelled, but that didn’t stop non-Visatorre from staring like she had three legs.

“I need a ride to the harbor,” Aida said, keeping her face devoid of emotion.

“Now?” the driver asked.

“Not yesterday,” she said, and gave him three of her gold lyria coins. “The quicker, the better.”

At the sight of priceless gold, the driver instantly folded his paper and sat up. “You’re the Visatorre girl who works up at that farm, ain’t you?”

“Aye.” She took out one of her own cigarettes and had him light it for her. She needed one after this week, and her mother hated the smell in the house. “Let’s say I got fired.”

“Didn’t you live there?”

“Didn’t you need to bring me to the harbor?”

The man clicked his tongue and helped her with her bags.

She took one long inhale as she surveyed the land. The morning birds had yet to begin their songs, and the lack of light let the Moon and stars shine over the country, painting it a deep blue.

“Did you hear the news?” the driver asked, making unneeded small talk. “The princess of Roma, Lucia, she just went missing. Paper’s sayin’ she vanished from her own wedding. Say she got kidnapped or something.”

“Wouldn’t be a change from what we see,” Aida said. While the royal family now was in charge of what she did, she didn’t care for them nearly as much as she cared for the dead ones. The dead ones had more of a history to them that always intrigued her. Plus, she never saw the two twin princesses. One had been married off to the shitstain of Bělico’s King Dmitri as a kid, the other barely left the palace. What was the difference if she went missing?

“Do you think they’ll find her?” asked the driver.

In the distance, Aida saw the faint outline of her home. Her mother’s home—it had never belonged to her. Her mother had tried to be a good mother when she’d first adopted Aida, but the years had tainted her into a villain Aida couldn’t wait to see get their comeuppance.

She gave her home the finger and hopped into the carriage. “Who cares about some dumb princess?”

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

Chapter 2: Six Weeks Before, Continued

Lorian had dreamed about escaping her bedroom through the window. She never thought it would be her last-ditch effort to save her life.

She wasn’t in life-threatening danger. She wasn’t going to die if she stayed the night. Acted proper. Went back downstairs and apologized to her wedding guests, and let Prince Zaahir take her hand like she’d been proclaimed to do since she was six.

That wouldn’t kill her per se, but if it came to that, she’d kill herself. No remorse, no second thoughts. She’d warned her parents that if they followed through with the marriage, it would’ve been the final straw out of the many that they’d already broken for her.

Well, her father had. Everyone knew that despite being the reigning queen, it was Lorian’s father who controlled the country.

That night, after tearing up the wedding dress and ruining every last piece of notable art she had left in her bedroom, Lorian had collapsed into her bed and sobbed so hard, she’d thrown up. Out of everything her parents forced her through, this marriage was the one constant. Let her ruin her dresses, let her throw her infamous temper tantrums hidden from the country. But this marriage, just like her sister’s, would happen. Alliances needed to be formed between the three major countries of the world to keep war at bay, and it’d happen whether she liked it or not. Country before individual. Alliances before children.

The only way out was death.

She’d contemplated it, then kicked herself and fought for another way out. She couldn’t end it here. She had to show her parents that she did have aspirations, just ones outside of royal duties.

The giant clock just outside of Lorian’s room chimed for eleven. Per Roman customs, the wedding kiss would occur at the stroke of midnight, and so far, Lorian hadn’t let any of her maids or officers near her. Not even her own family had come into her room, though they’d tried.

First, her mother, whose frail knocks almost made her heart break. Then her twin sister, Beatrice, born only twelve minutes earlier and thus married off first to a man older than their father. Her methodical, emotionless explanation as to why this needed to marry Zaahir made Lorian break a vase to get her to stop talking.

Carmine was the last person to come. He was the queen’s right-hand man—a Constable, the highest rank given to officers—and childhood friend of the queen. He was the most sympathetic about Lorian’s plight, she’d give him that, but he, like the rest of them, told her to come downstairs and finish what was destined for her. He used to be better, back when he was more a family friend who wasn’t weighed down my medals of honor, but those days were gone, as was Carmine’s carefree nature. It’d been replaced with duties that outweighed Lorian’s happiness.

Her father didn’t come up to check on her.

But she didn’t need any more of his anger tonight. Nobody could talk her into this. She had her mind set, and it was anywhere else but this godforsaken palace.

The only one she’d let come near was Missus Sharma. She’d been Lorian’s and Beatrice’s nursemaid since they were in the womb. She’d taught Lorian mathematics, both the piano and violin, and had guided Lorian through speech therapy to get rid of her lisp yet failed. She also knew almost all of Lorian’s secrets, all of her hidden passions without the threads of marriage and princesshood dragging her down.

Lorian had told her, last year, that she didn’t want to be a princess any longer.

“I know your frustrations, Your Highness,” she’d said, this sixty-year-old maid who deserved so much more than what Lorian gave her.

She didn’t know, however, so when Lorian explained more, that she didn’t want to be a princess, or Lucia, or only a woman but something more, something different, that’d puzzled her. Her generation still lived in the mindset that’d fizzled out during this ruling—people could be who they wanted to be, whether they were a boy, girl, neither, or something in-between.

Those rights weren’t given to royal heirs, especially when it involved the procreation of royal children.

Lorian held her stomach as she thought of a way out of this. Even though she was still figuring out her identity, she was sure as fuck not marrying Zaahir for the sole purpose of bearing children. That thought was so far out of her comfort zone, it was off her radar.

Frustrated by her dwindling time limit, Lorian groaned, took the last of her pillows she hadn’t torn, and threw it against her writing desk. It scattered the letters she’d tried to write to her parents only for her to rip them up because, while his mother might hear her out, her father wouldn’t listen. He never did.

A letter fell to her ornate rug. It was hidden behind one of her jewelry boxes and slipped out when the box fell. It didn’t have a name on it, but it’d been stamped with her family’s seal.

Curious, Lorian picked it up.

Out the window & down to the forest.

Good luck.

She flipped over the note to read the rest, but that was it. It wasn’t even signed, meaning the person didn’t want to be traced back. She examined the handwriting, but that didn’t click either. It looked like the person, whoever had written it, had concealed their own personhood to make the letter untraceable.

She looked back at her door. It was locked, as well as barricaded with her wardrobe. Nobody was coming in any time soon.

She crept towards the window that faced the outer walls. In the past, they were meant to keep enemies out, like the fallen city-state of Siina. It’d once been a wealthy state where most of the Visatorre population lived some 1,200 years back. Tensions back then had been high, she was taught. Visatorre were seen as part-God, part-monster, these people who could travel, or “jump,” back in time for hours to witness a single moment in history. Stories had been created around them, painting them as the voyeuristic, nosy ghosts that deserved all the pain their jumps caused them.

Her father despised time travellers for their unpredictable powers, but he never brought it up to the public. They were a reminder of a bloody history most Romans wanted to forget, but Lorian hadn’t forgotten. She knew that the queen of Siina had murdered the Roman king due to some type of disagreement, and as punishment, she, her lineage, and all 100,000 Siinans had been brutally slaughtered in an unfair and unjust bloodbath.

Lorian grit her teeth. She hated it. She’d hated it ever since it was taught to her by her scholars and meant to sound like a victory. It wasn’t. It was the royal family’s insatiable bloodlust, and it was all the more reason why she wanted nothing more to do with the crown trying to be placed over her head.

The orchestra music from her own wedding ceremony echoed from outside. Six hundred people had been invited and were likely all dining and eating and placing bets as to whether or not Lorian would come down by midnight.

So it was odd that out of all of these guests and bustling maids and officers in the palace tonight, nobody saw Lorian’s horse, Ether, nibbling on the flowers next to the palace walls. She was bridled and had on her saddle, but it wasn’t the official, royally-sanctioned one with all the gold and rubies stitched into it, it was Lorian’s personal riding one that was worn and made of coarse leather.

And attached to Lorian’s windowsill, weighted down so as not to blow in the summer night air, was a silk bedsheet tied into other bedsheets: a less than perfect escape ladder.

Lorian pressed her lips together. Who’d set this up for her? She’d dreamed of this day for years, and it only became more real that week.

She touched the start of the makeshift ladder. It’d been tied several times behind her window and secured behind the jewelry box. Not even Missus’ Sharma would’ve seen anything awry.

Lorian turned so quickly on her heel, she tripped on the rug given to her by her mother’s mother. She pulled out the drawers of her second wardrobe not currently holding back the only door to the room and packed what she considered to be her real clothes. No dresses, nothing that was too uncomfortable to wear. She did pack her corsets to bind her chest and hide her hips. She didn’t hate her body; her boobs were fun to play with when she was in the bath or getting ready for bed. They just meant too much to her past self, and she didn’t want to remember that.

She would no longer be Lucia Maria Carolus Durante di Romano, future princess to the country of Roma and Aldaí.

She would be Lorian. Lorian…

Something. If she was going to run away, she’d have to change her surname, but she’d only landed on “Lorian” when she was a child, a nonsense name that meshed her name with Carmine’s father’s name. That was back when she respected him.

Despite living here all her life, she had nothing of real importance. Clothing she felt comfortable in, 350 pieces of gold lyria she kept in case she ever decided to really run away, utensils—she ate quite a lot in her room. She grabbed documents with her father’s and Carmine’s signatures in case she needed to forge them for her new life, and she kept her signet ring and skeleton key because she was sentimental like that. She had her dagger because her rapiers would be too long and too distracting on the run. She wouldn’t need a map because she knew the whole layout of the kingdom by heart. As for her underwear…

She looked at the dagger in her hand, then at herself in the mirror. The blond hair she’d tied up in a ponytail to get it out of her face still curled to the middle of her back. She liked her hair; it was a staple for Roman women to keep it long. Her mother’s must’ve been worth something for how beautiful it was, reaching her thighs in elegant waves, and her sister’s must’ve taken hours to prepare every day with all the braids and swoops she kept it in.

Lorian gripped the handle of her blade. She didn’t think it over because she knew she’d regret it. Nobody in the kingdom could know she was Lucia. If she were to live as Lorian, Lucia needed to die.

Her locks fell around her in spirals. Her head instantly felt lighter than it had in years, but she knew it didn’t look right. One part was uneven, the next cut too close to her scalp. She didn’t touch her bangs, as Missus Sharma had just styled them the day before, and when she was done, she didn’t look back in the mirror. She retied it into a small ponytail. Her neck felt cold yet free, another chain broken.

Someone knocked on her door.

She nestled her knife against her thigh.

“Your Highness, are you alright?”

The voice, so sweet and motherly, Lorian knew it better than her own mother’s.

“Yes, Missus Sharma,” she called out, and slowly opened her window all the way. Her curtains fluttered. It kissed her cheeks, her newly uncovered neck.

“I don’t want you to feel alone right now. I know this’s terrifying for you, and unfair. Oh, sweetheart, I know. Can you talk to me? Have you eaten?”

Lorian lifted one leg over the windowsill. She’d once climbed out of this window as a child to the giant clock tower above. When they’d found her, her father had slashed her palms. It seemed so much easier as a thirteen-year-old. “I have, and I’m alright now.” She dared a peek down the four stories and closed her eyes. It wasn’t high up. It wasn’t that high. “I’ll be okay.”

“Do you need anything from me right now?”

She swung the rest of her body out of the window. Vertigo hit her like a crashing wave. She wrapped both arms around the blanket and gave a firm tug. “No. You’ve done enough for me this week, and I do appreciate all that you’ve done.” She put more of her weight on the bedsheet ladder, then more. “G-go tell my mother and father that…I’m contemplating coming down soon.”

“Oh, you are?” Missus Sharma asked. “How wonderful! Let me bring them up.”

“I-I’ll just need a minute,” she called out, hoping her voice wouldn’t travel. “Do give me that, okay, Missus Sharma?”

“Of course, Your Highness. Oh, their Majesties will be so thrilled.”

“I’ll bet,” Lorian muttered under her breath, and looked down. What was four stories, really, other than a two-second drop to your crushing, painful death?

She bit her lower lip, said a prayer to any God that would hear her, and let gravity take her down.

Her boot snagged on a jutting brick and, while it might’ve been a two-second controlled fall, it felt longer. She anticipated hitting the ground but didn’t expect to feel the dizziness that accompanied her once she hit the earth. Her feet gave out from underneath her and she rolled over like a turtle. Ether looked down at her, chuffing.

Lorian stayed on the ground, fingers curling into the cold grass. She counted the eerie seconds of silence. Someone always noticed when she acted out. She’d be caught, subdued, reformed into what her father wanted.

Nobody came. Missus Sharma didn’t run to her bedroom window and call out for her. No patrolling officer asked what she was doing.

She breathed in a gulp of fresh air, then slowly lifted herself up with her horse. She pulled on her reins and waited. She climbed onto Ether’s back and waited.

Nobody was coming.

Nobody knew she was here.

Lucia had been killed, and Lorian had taken her first step.

She blinked back the tears. She didn’t know what had brought them on. Her cutting her hair, her knowing that this one decision might strip her away from everyone she loved for months, years. If this worked, if she really pulled everything off, she might never see them again. Beatrice, Carmine, her mother, Missus Sharma, the maids and officers who treated her far better than she deserved, her father…

She violently turned her head away and broke Ether into a gallop. She tore through the gardens, through the first gate. A lone officer on duty hadn’t been expecting anyone to pass through here and certainly wasn’t prepared to stop a galloping mare running past him. He also probably hadn’t been expecting Lorian to be crying.

She knew she hadn’t. Isn’t this what she’d wanted? To be free from a marriage to a man she’d met three, possibly four times in her life? To be free from her father’s expectations of being a subservient princess and to finally do what she wanted to do?

She ran her horse as fast as she could into the Roman night. Tonight, she was Lorian. And tonight, she was unshackled.

#Transient Time Traveller #art #original character #lgbtq #cottagecore #queer #aida #lorian #original art #oc #novel #writing #ttt #royal road #ao3 #archive of our own

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thehangeddemon · 4 years ago

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Playing with Fire || Master Maxi || March, 1958

Maximus: Maximus hesitated just outside of the office. The day's mail stacked neatly on a silver tray, newly polished. He hovered only because of Xavier's stance, awaiting to be noticed.

Xavier: Xavier was rubbing his forehead and temples in rhythmic little circles, a distinct furrow to his brow that said the universe was sorely testing him this day.

It was when he leaned back in his chair to heave a great sigh that he noticed Maximus and some of that annoyance melted away. "How long have you been standing there?" he asked with an apologetic smile.

Maximus: "Long enough to know better." Only then would he enter, lowering enough for his master to inspect the tray. An invitation, news, bills. Maximus waited quietly for inspection of each letter being speaking.

"May I ask what is troubling you, m'lord?"

Xavier: He took the mail from the tray with a nod of thanks. Bills went in the To Do pile, the news in the To Read pile, and the invitation in front of him.

"I received a call from an associate of mine in Riyadh. He handles my exports from that part of the world and a few years ago I invested in his business. Ever since, he comes to me with any and all business ideas he comes up with hoping I'll invest."

Maximus: "Not very keen, m'lord?" Given the strain around his eyes, and the massage of his temples. As much as he wanted to ask about the invitation, he refrained, placing the tray under his arm.

"Will that be all?"

Xavier: "I was, once upon a time, when the ideas actually bore fruit and effort was put into ensuring so. Now the ideas become more harebrained with every passing year, but he never presents them that way." Xavier grabbed his letter opener. "He makes each one sound more grand than the last, never wants to take no for an answer. If I were alive he'd have taken years off my life by now."

He opened the invitation, scanned it briefly. "Speaking of grand."

Maximus: Maximus wondered what sort of ideas this man had, and silently tickled at the idea of Xavier's irritation with anything so far from serious. Something rather human to stir things.

"A party, this time of year?"

Xavier: "It would appear so. An exhibition of classical art to be followed by an auction. It's being hosted by Haskell, that insufferable bon vivant we met in Los Angeles. You know the one. Old, old money banker who sold me the chandelier in the drawing room some time ago."

Maximus: He remembered. The man had leather for skin, and glasses far too thick. The way he stared, as though right through and beyond. He didn't much care for him.

"Do you wish to accept?"

Xavier: Xavier sighed and considered for a moment. Did he want to endure an entire evening listening to that dandy boast and hold court?

"Not particularly." He smiled. "But I do wish to avail myself of the contents of Haskell's wine cellar."

Maximus: "You do enjoy playing with fire at every opportunity." Bold words for eyes submissive to the ground.

Xavier: He chuckled. "It's Haskell who's playing with fire by sending this invitation. He knows damn well he squeezed me for every cent he could for that chandelier. No doubt he's hoping I'll part with several hundred more of my dollars on this little auction of his."

Maximus: "May I ask what the auction is for? Does the invitation say?"

Xavier: The invitation was consulted. "He claimed the proceeds will benefit the hospital but that is a damnable lie. The hospital will see a fraction of the proceeds, if that, and the rest will go into Haskell's pocket. How do you think he's managed to afford that ridiculous mansion?"

Maximus: This made his butler frown. "I see. Then I will not waste energy encouraging your presence."

Xavier: He grinned. "Would you like to go to Los Angeles? We can steal Haskell's wine, give a bigger donation to the hospital to spite him, and go to the pictures. There's nothing quite like going to the pictures in Hollywood."

Maximus: "In all my years, I can't recall having ever been." And his first experience would be with Xavier. He very much liked the idea, but these were duty hours, so his smile was that of poise.

"You had me at donation, m'lord."

2:54 AM] Xavier: "Excellent!" Xavier took the RSVP card out of the envelope and reached for his pen to fill it out. "Please see that this gets returned and find me the name of the lowest quality vineyard in the state."

Maximus: "Yes, m'lord." The tray was lowered for the invitation's return. He didn't expect to see the fruits of this labor. Only to hear about the fruition of his schemes, and he looked forward to such tales.

"I would like to ask your opinion on something as well, if you have a moment to spare."

Xavier: "Please, by all means." Xavier was in considerably better spirits than he'd been a few minutes ago and it showed clearly in his expression in demeanor. All the annoyance had turned to warmth and welcome, and both were directed at the beautiful man before him.

Maximus: "I apologize for not inquiring sooner, but, do you have a preference towards wild game?"

Xavier: “I don’t favor any particular type but I’ve always enjoyed venison.”

Maximus: "Very good, m'lord. Will that be all?"

Xavier: "Yes, darling, thank you. Bring me the name of that vineyard as soon as possible, preferably before the party."

Maximus: The darling caught him off guard so early in the morning. He blinked, but offered nothing of his thoughts physically. A bow of obedience, and he turned from the room. Wild game, he decided, would be served for lunch. Something elegant, of course, but unusual. It was time for a split of body. Cooking, research, and to tend the garden.

Xavier: Xavier smiled at Maximus' retreating back until he was out of sight before turning his attention to the mail. What needed reading was read, what needed paying was paid, and a letter was written to a certain associate telling him in no uncertain terms that Xavier's patience for harebrained schemes had been completely exhausted.

He gathered everything up and went to put it with the rest of the mail. And maybe look for Maximus.

Maximus: One of those he sought was in the kitchen chopping carrots and celery. The usual mise en place accompanying a French inspired dish. Another duplicate with rolled sleeves visible from the kitchen window, tending the garden pulling weeds.

The real Maximus Fairchild was in his modest office. Research, as commanded, with the phone to his ear.

Xavier: Xavier smiled as he spotted each of his butler’s shadows, not surprised to see them. When Maximus had a pressing task he always preferred to attend to it personally, like the little project Xavier had given him.

The question now was, did he watch the shadow cooking or the one gardening?

A few moments to decide and he was stepping into the kitchen.

“Hello, my dear,” he greeted, taking a seat at the kitchen table. “Would you mind some company?”

Maximus: The duplicate looked up from his scrutinized knife. Almost the same man. Absent voice, but not expression. Free by a margin to smile as though off duty.

Maximus #2 pointed to a large bowl by the long sink. A skinned hare, fresh from market before Xavier opened his eyes that morning.

Xavier: “Such a beautiful smile,” he said, barely resisting the urge to kiss it before walking over to the sink.

“Ah, this explains the question about wild game. It appears we’re to have a very excellent lunch indeed.”

Maximus: Still as modest as the original. This Maximus paused, basked a moment in praise before pushing it aside with scolding eyes.

Xavier: Xavier laughed softly. “I’ll behave, you have my word. I’m simply here to observe. You’re miles more alluring than anything I have on my desk.”

Maximus: Even a mimicry with base faculties was enough of a truth to bristle at such flattery. He pointed in the direction of the office.

Xavier: “Very well, I’ll leave you to your work.” Beautiful shadow of my beautiful Maximus.

He tamped down another urge, this time to brush his lips against the shadow’s cheek, and went to knock on Maximus’ door.

1:10 PM] Maximus: The office was modest, despite encouragement of his master. Decorated with a framed original photograph of the estate on the east wall, and a portrait of a mother and child found in the attic on the east. Nothing personal. Despite budding intimacy, doubt lingered whether or not a Fairchild or Berti might be neatly displayed in the upcoming months, years.

Maximus looked up from a simple brown book, telephone handset returned as he stood.

"Yes, m'lord?"

Xavier: Xavier leaned against the doorframe and smiled softly. At Maximus, at the simple decor, at the phone and the book.

What he wanted to say was, we’ve been apart for an hour and I missed you. I feel...needy for your company today and I’m not quite sure why. I want you to set work aside for the day and come sit in my lap where I can kiss and hold you. I want you to smile at me, talk to me in your soft, gentle way. I want to see the blush on your cheeks when I compliment you. I want you to ask me for the moon and I want to get it for you. I want you to feel needy for me, too.

What he said was, “How is your search coming?”

Maximus: His butler could only decipher so much, but that long stare did something to his insides. The room was suddenly too warm.

"The list is nearly complete. Two more calls to make. A budding vineyard to the south gave interest to inquiry. I thought it might be worth your investment, or ill-considered to neglect informing you."

Xavier: He nodded, and tramped down his third urge in as many minutes. “That was good thought. A budding vineyard might be exactly what I’m looking for, or a worthy investment as you said.” Another nod. “Excellent work, thank you. I’ll leave you to it.”

Maximus: Where Maximus should have bowed his head and returned to his seat, he lingered.

"Is there something else I might do for you? Or... one of them?"

Xavier: Xavier shook his head. “No, thank you, I’m...I’m fine. I might take a short drive before lunch.”

Maximus: "As you so often remind me, I am more than your servant. I am your assistant. Allow me to be concerned for a moment, and serve you as my choosing."

Xavier: Maximus was offered another smile. “I’ll allow you, and I appreciate your concern. I suppose I’m simply in a restless mood this morning.”

Maximus: "Perhaps, instead of a drive... a walk?"

Xavier: “Perhaps that’s a better idea. Would you—?”

Maximus: "I would love to accompany you."

Xavier: He offered his arm. “Around the garden?”

Maximus: "I am off duty in the meantime?"

Xavier: Xavier nodded. “Yes. For the walk, and perhaps to join me for lunch?”

Maximus: Such proposal prevented the removal of his watch. Lunch was nowhere near finished; neither were monotonous chores worthy of his duplicates. His hand came away from his wrist.

"Delighted." His first undressed smile of the day.

Xavier: That smile made him feel like a drowning man being given breath again.

He returned it in kind. “Marvelous. Come, let’s get some fresh air.”

Maximus: Papers were quickly straightened. Pen used as a bookmark for the phone book and set aside. Off duty, he told himself. His own idea, he repeated. He didn't know what to do with his hands. A coat? Loosen his tie? Nothing seemed more appropriate than consistency.

"Just the garden?"

Xavier: “The garden, the grounds. Perhaps the woods. We’ll see where our feet carry us. It’s a lovely day; we ought to enjoy as much of it as we can.”

Maximus: Seemed fanciful, but as he'd come to learn, not so unlike this young demon.

No coat, only a change of shoes before holding the door. Some standards would not shake. The garden had expanded since winter. Herbs dominated much of the landscape leading to the house. Roses and shrubs lining the walk towards the various statues. Tomatoes and other less visually stimulating like were out of sight by design.

"If I were to ask you to spill your thoughts, would you?"

Xavier: It was as proper as an English garden could be. Tea roses, winding paths, statues, vegetables, a fountain. It was what the manor deserved after so many years of neglect.

“Just now I’m thinking what a beautiful job you’ve done out here.”

Maximus: Not what he'd expected, but he would take it. "These were your choices." For the most part. The flowers, with the exception of tenderly minded magnolias.

Xavier: "And you took those selections and created a garden worthy of the estate it surrounds. You should be very proud, Maximus."

Maximus: "That's the word I'm looking for," he smiled. "I'd like to hear more of your thoughts, if you'd allow me."

Xavier: "I'm also wondering how long it will take Haskell to realize his wine collection is worthless after I replace all the wine with whatever vineyard is chosen for the deception."

Maximus: "Rather than leaving his stock barren, your sense of humor is to replace with inferior. As you do artistic masterpieces."

Xavier: Xavier grinned. "Indeed. And like with artistic masterpieces, they will receive a better home and proper appreciation. Haskell, on the other hand, will be humiliated in front of those whose coattails he seeks to ride and will have an absolute conniption thinking he essentially tossed thousands of dollars down a hole."

Maximus: Is he really deserving of such punishment, he thought. He felt it best not to ask. Despite the careful distance their relationship had crossed, Xavier was still master. Trust was a fickle creature. It was of little concern; he didn't actually care.

"You spoke to my copies again today."

Xavier: This particular punishment was merely intended to knock Howard Haskell down a few pegs and back to where he rightfully belonged. There was nothing Xavier hated so much as hubris that hadn't been earned.

He nodded, smile still in place. "I did, yes. I always speak to them when I see them."

Maximus: "I'm not sure I understand your reasoning. They offer little." They were tools, nothing more in his belief, which made Xavier's insistence fascinating and confounding.

Xavier: "They offer more than meets the eye." More than once, talking to Maximus' shadows offered the chance to see that beautiful smile without a hint of reservation.

Maximus: He saw each and every one-sided conversation. With every broken spell, each memory of his duplicates became his own. What was once used as a torment, now became a source of entertainment.

"You could always speak to me, if you need an ear."

Xavier: His smile gentled. "Thank you," he said softly. "I sincerely appreciate it. I don't often find myself having that need, but when I do...thank you, Maximus. For the offer and...for walking with me."

Maximus: "It's less out of obligation than you might think."

Xavier: "At the risk of flattering myself, I don't think it's out of obligation at all."

Maximus: "You've taken a great risk. Haskell would be impressed."

Xavier: Xavier chuckled. "Haskell's risks aren't really risks. They're calculated to appear that way."

Maximus: "Yours are true?"

Xavier: He nodded. "There was a very good chance coming with me and lending me an ear was due to a sense of obligation."

Maximus: "We still walk that fine line of mystery."

Xavier: “We do indeed. And I take great risks and hope for the best.”

Maximus: "You risk believing there is no risk," he smiled.

Xavier: “Oh believe me, I could never. It’s always very present in my mind.”

Maximus: He wanted an elaboration, but would not ask.

"Are you feeling better now?"

Xavier: “Much better, yes. You’re a very great help.”

Maximus: "You're very generous as usual, Xavier."

Xavier: Hearing his name from Maximus’ lips brought a rush of such affection it was a wonder he didn’t pull the man into his arms without a second thought.

“It’s sincere. Talking to you makes my mind feel quieter, more calm.”

Maximus: "I'm...honored." But what he wanted to ask was why, and how, as he felt he offered nothing significant.

Xavier: Xavier turned to study his companion for a moment. “May I be so bold as to say you’re also...curious?”

Maximus: "I'm curious?"

1:57 AM] Xavier: “About why you calm my mind. It feels as though you want to ask me something.”

Maximus: You cannot read my mind, he reminded himself. "I have a readable face." This much was honest.

Xavier: “You do, but it’s more than that. We have a bond. We’re...in tune with each other.”

Maximus: "You think so?"

Xavier: “I do. I can feel it when I’m near you and when we’re apart, when we’re speaking or sitting in silence.”

Maximus: "That's perhaps the bond of servitude." A jest, but his smile was meek. One might regard as shy.

Xavier: Xavier simply returned the smile and offered Maximus his hand. It was fine if he didn’t take it; but Xavier felt the need to offer it.

Maximus: The hand was given a second of regard before taking. Not because this was his master, but because he wanted to. He wondered if Xavier truly understood.

Xavier: Perhaps Xavier could never fully understand, but he understood that this was a man who was rightfully cautious, who'd been hurt in unimaginable ways, and still accepted his hand.

He brought it to his lips and placed a delicate kiss on Maximus' knuckles.

Maximus: Maximus watched against his will. This was his hand being lovingly cared for, and those were Xavier's lips. There was no greater affection, and after months of such treatment, he was sure more than anything else that Xavier knew.

"It...smells like wood polish. Forgive me."

Xavier: “The wood polish you use smells like lemons. I’ve nothing to forgive.” He offered another kiss, this time to Maximus’ palm.

Maximus: Air demanded to leave his lungs in one warm escape. The emptiness felt at the bottom of his ribs made him feel more alive. Pain often did in the most unpleasant times, but in the moment, only made him more aware of Xavier's presence.

"How far shall we walk?"

Xavier: He was starting to get a decent gauge of the reverence and meaning this sort of affection had for Maximus. All the more reason for Xavier to offer as much as possible, when possible. "Perhaps to the edge of the estate and back? I was thinking that perhaps you'd like to have lunch in the garden. It really is a lovely day, it'd be a shame not to enjoy it as much as we can."

Maximus: Xavier was a painting. Spoke like a gentleman, poised, tailored like a gentleman, but months together he began to see the forgery. What was beneath was less impressionist and more abstract. At the moment it was lovely.

"Would stewed hare be inappropriate for a garden lunch? I'll see to an alteration. Something lighter."

Xavier: "We rule all that we survey, my dear." He smiled. "We get to decide what is appropriate. And from what preparations I could see in the kitchen, I'm very much looking forward to that stewed hare."

Maximus: "It is an hour until lunch. To the edge of the property and back?"

Xavier: Xavier nodded. "To the edge and back. Tell me, do you think there's a good spot for some sort of garden folly or a gazebo?"

Maximus: "Certainly. This small clearing here," he pointed where the sun intended to set, just shy of the woods. "It's away from the house, but not far from the garden. Leaves the expanse of the lawn to admire, without having to see the driveway."

Xavier: Xavier considered for a moment and nodded. "You're right," he said with a smile. "That's the perfect place for it. Although looking at it, a folly seems like a much better use of the space than a gazebo. Something that wisteria or perhaps star jasmine can climb."

Maximus: "I think jasmine is an excellent idea. I'll begin the necessary arrangements. There, you think?" He pointed to where the garden ended shy of the woods, a corner of sorts. Even still, despite the calm, he sometimes had to correct his speech. No 'm'lord' here. He wondered if he would ever accept Xavier's supposed intention.

Xavier: “Let’s get a closer look.”

Xavier led Maximus over to the spot, walking around and picturing the potential structure and how it would look from the windows.

“Yes, this is the perfect place. Stone and wrought iron, I think, something very intricate. I trust you to find the perfect craftspeople.”

Maximus: "You're certain of iron?"

Xavier: “I rather like the idea of the sun casting filigreed shadows on the stone beneath. Do you have another material in mind?”

Maximus: "I don't want you to burn yourself. If perhaps it were painted?"

Xavier: "Ah, yes, you're right. For both our sakes, we shall have the iron painted black."

Maximus: "Are you efficient with drawing? Something I could show a contractor."

Xavier: “Efficient enough to give a contractor a decent idea of what I’m looking for. I might have to peruse my library for some inspiration.”

Maximus: "Very good." M'lord. "Something that will feel as timeless as the estate itself. Perhaps a winding stone walkway?"

Xavier: “I do like the idea of a walkway leading up to the structure. Perhaps with ornamental plants surrounding it.”

Maximus: "I'll see to it as well."

Xavier: “What would you like to plant along the path?”

Maximus: Maximus looked up, considering the shade. "I'm no expert on the subject, but, I believe leaving color to the garden here," he pointed back, "leaves less competition for the eye. Ferns, or something equally lush. The very least, creeping thyme."

Xavier: "Some ferns would look rather nice. The thyme as well. We shall see which one suits better when we choose the stone for the walkway." He thought for a moment. "If memory serves, there's an excellent stone mason in Los Angeles."

Maximus: Maximus frowned but nodded. Eyes thoughtful. "If I may be so bold, I find myself confused every instance it seems my opinions are valued."

Xavier: Xavier offered a smile. “Is it still so foreign after we’ve set this house to rights together?”

Maximus: "I've been made to do many things by various masters, but never trusted with an estate."

Xavier: “I trust you implicitly with this estate, Maximus. Not to mention my meals and my wardrobe.”

Maximus: "I couldn't poison your food if I wanted to," he smiled.

Xavier: “With your cooking? It’d be worth it.”

Maximus: "Your praise borders on cloying, Master Xavier."

Xavier: He chuckled. “I’d apologize if I didn’t think very highly of your cooking. And you know I’m a man who appreciates good food.”

Maximus: "I don't expect apologies when your words hold meaning to you."

Xavier: "They do." He found himself kissing Maximus' hand again. "I sincerely appreciate and value your opinions. Your input is something I treasure."

Maximus: Their pace slowed as Xavier indulged himself. Moments like this, words were too elusive to pluck from the air. Just emotion. Enticed by self-imposed mystery, but stayed by caution. Rarely was something hidden behind his eyes, but Maximus expected something. He would be foolish not to.

Flowery words, he told himself. Flattery from a charming demon. He should have been made at the crossroads.

"I'm honored."

Xavier: Perhaps he would be foolish not to, but the only thing behind Xavier's eyes was affection. Sincere, abiding affection.

"And I'm honored that you feel comfortable enough to give your input, even if it confuses you when it's taken to heart."

Maximus: He didn't want to spoil things by saying refusal was smaller than a crawlspace. Instead, he smiled, content to his silence and what his expression could offer.

Xavier: As staying on this subject would only serve to make Maximus uncomfortable, Xavier chose to move on for now.

"This is going to look lovely when it's finished. As will the road to the house when the wildflowers bloom."

Maximus: "You're in favor of a manicured lawn, or would you be interested in ground cover flowers?"

Xavier: "I'm in favor of both, though both have their place. I quite like the lawn surrounding the estate but lawn looks out of place on the roadside."

Maximus: "Very French," he smiled. "I agree, both have their place. I'm in favor of the backyard being as lush as we intend."

Xavier: “It will be when we’re done with it, we’ll put Versailles to shame. I rather like the idea of having a couple more statutes as well.”

Maximus: "There is enough space for a hedge maze as well, if your desire is a statement."

Xavier: “It’s tempting,” he chuckled. “But the sight of the woods beyond the garden is impossible to give up. Although some hedges would look nice bordering the drive.”

Maximus: "We could begin the drive with an iron gate, line the drive with hedges or perhaps roses. Something to withstand the drastic seasons."

Xavier: Xavier pictured the final result and smiled. “Perfect. This estate will be grand in every sense of the phrase.”

Maximus: "And when... we have finished, do you intend to throw a grand party celebrating your success?"

Xavier: "This wouldn't be much of a sanctuary if I did that. Perhaps we could have Massimo and his family for dinner. I only trust him with the location of this house."

Maximus: This surprised his servant, studying his profile as they slowly walked, curious what in particular made this home a sanctuary. What was intended for this house.

"I see. Something in New York, perhaps. You should celebrate your achievement."

Xavier: Xavier smiled. “A more private celebration seems more appealing, although perhaps that’s the hermit in me. I always manage to wander off on my own at parties.”

Maximus: "More business deals, wine and beautiful people."

Xavier: You’re the only beautiful people I need, Xavier thought to himself.

“Deals aren’t quite enticing enough for a celebration. Are you opposed to a small dinner party with Massimo’s family?”

Maximus: "I will serve whomever you choose to bring," Maximus said, watching the woods towards the abandoned house.

Xavier: "Perhaps we can also invite my staff at the warehouse. Everyone has been thoroughly vetted and I trust them all. They're good people."

Maximus: "If they can make the travel," he felt the need to point out.

Xavier: “Easily taken care of. I can make travel arrangements for them.”

Maximus: "Very elaborate. I believe my spell will be in order."

Xavier: "Or, there is an alternative."

9:22 PM] Maximus: Maximus slowed and studied the man by his side, curious but unwilling to guess.

Xavier: “We could hire waitstaff for the evening, which would allow you to enjoy the celebration freely.”

Maximus: "Would that not be seen as inappropriate of your assistant to dine as equal?"

Xavier: “Massimo is incredibly fond of you and my employees wouldn’t dare cause such offense.”

Maximus: "I don't believe they would dare such disrespect to you in person, but perhaps it is not in good taste." He watched Xavier a moment. "If I may be so bold to speak my mind this way."

Xavier: Xavier smiled. "Of course you may. And if you truly do not wish to attend a celebration as a guest, you don't have to. I only ask that if you decide against it, it be because you truly wish to attend in your capacity as butler."

Maximus: "I think it's the most appropriate road in which to walk... in public." Their relationship was still so young. Still too soon to openly reveal anything more than professionalism. It was safe.

Xavier: "As you wish, my dear." It didn't feel right to take sole credit for the complete transformation of the estate, but it would feel worse to push Maximus in a way he wasn't ready for.

"It will be a small celebration but grand nonetheless."

Maximus: Finally, he could breathe. For a moment he was concerned, but Xavier's response was as consistent as day one.

"I look forward to assisting in its assembly."

Xavier: "You'll be instrumental in its success. That being said, would you like me to hire waitstaff to assist you for the evening?"

Maximus: "Hire, or borrow from another?"

Xavier: "Hire and thoroughly vet."

Maximus: "By your will. Eight hands are better than six."

Xavier: "Anything at all you need when the time comes, please ask. No expense will be spared."

Maximus: "I wouldn't insult your celebration by offering cheap wine," he smiled.

Xavier: "You couldn't insult my celebration, full stop. Outwardly it might be mine, but privately, it's ours."

Maximus: "That's very kind," said Maximus. He would have worried for repeating himself if not for being so relaxed. Too eased, his equals might argue.

Silence would be sensible for several meters.

Xavier: Xavier didn't mind the silence. During his time with Maximus, he'd come to recognize the different types he affected at different moments. Some silences were companionable, some filled with work and distractions, and others, like this one, affected when there was a fear that too much had been shared. Not always in words, but in manner.

It almost came as a surprise when they reached the edge of the property. Xavier hadn't realized he'd been lost in thought. "Ready to head back, darling?"

Maximus: Seemed the moment had passed. For now. He wouldn't linger on what he had felt and why. Not here in his master's presence.

"I will see to lunch, prep for dining outside, if the idea still appeals."

Xavier: "It does," he said with a nod, sighing contentedly. "I shall go down to the cellar and select a good wine to accompany our meal. All game requires a fine wine."

Maximus: He would dare offer a suggestion. "A bold red, perhaps?"

Xavier: Xavier beamed in approval. "Precisely what I was thinking. We shall lunch like royalty today, my dear."

Maximus: "If there is anything one of my shadows can assist you with, please. You will be quite bored observing my assemblage of lunch."

Xavier: "Actually, now that we're going to be coming into a great deal of wine, some reorganization of the cellar is in order. I'd like to see how much spare room we have."

Maximus: "It is one of the last areas of the house left virtually untouched." He wanted to be there to assist, but preparing the table outside yielded a more intimate future.

Xavier: "And a significant project because of it. I will take one of your shadows down to get a proper lay of the land and we shall discuss over lunch."

Maximus: I shall see you then, he thought, offering nothing more in response than a gentle smile.

Xavier: Xavier was going to take that smile as approval of the plan, and give one in return.

“Very well, my dear. I’ll be down in the cellar. May I kiss your hand again, before you return to duty?”

Maximus: "Am I to return to duty before lunch?" Asked carefully. A timid offering of what could be.

Xavier: He had put forth a great deal of effort to keep his face from smiling too excitedly. Such a careful question could only be met with gentleness.

“I think not,” Xavier murmured. “After lunch will be quite soon enough.”

Maximus: His smile was not quite what Xavier felt. Bedded down as forcefully as Xavier's efforts. "As you wish."

Xavier: “In that case...” He turned to fully face Maximus. “May I kiss you, darling?”

Maximus: He dared look his master in the eyes. There was no harm here. Those eyes, as they had always been, were a safe place.

"You may," said softly.

Xavier: Those eyes were brimming with affection as Xavier gently cradled Maxmius’ face and leaned in to kiss him like he’d wanted to do all day. Feeling and tasting this beautiful man was like satisfying a craving.

Maximus: Every kiss felt the same. Something less than fear and more than elation. Trust deserved but fragile. His lips felt impossibly warm, and he welcomed them with an inaudible sigh. His hands didn't know what to do, other than remain useless at his sides.

Xavier: Xavier could only hope that the day would come when Maximus felt comfortable enough to reach for him, to touch him as much and as long as he wanted without a second thought. He could only hope that someday Maximus would feel comfortable enough to do a lot of things.

Until then Xavier was more than happy to take the lead. They were dancing the world's gentlest, most deliberate waltz, each move fraught with meaning. Each kiss he was allowed was treasured. He took only a little bit at a time, savoring before coming back for more. Never pushing, never demanding.

"Beautiful," he whispered, caressing Maximus' face.

Maximus: Like a dream he was sure wakefulness would steal with cold hateful hands. He was certain this was false. Not any moment, but someday. For now he could lean into the strength of Xavier's stance and welcome his warm merciful hands. Offer a deepening of his affections as his master-in-name caressed his pale face. Reach timidly to place his hand over Xavier's in solidarity.

Xavier: There had been moments when they first began this delicate relationship where Xavier had wondered if he had the strength of will to be gentle, to tamp down his desires and keep from take, take, taking. But he'd soon discovered that when it came to Maximus Fairchild, being gentle was the easiest thing in the world. It came as easy as breathing, and Xavier had slowly begun to realize that the only thing he had to tamp down was the urge to bombard Maximus with his affection a thousand times a day.

He had his moments, of course, he was only human--or had been at one point. But this here? That little touch, the subtle deepening of a kiss? Fuck, it was what he lived for.

Beautiful, he thought again, letting himself stretch the kiss a few more long, lingering moments before regrettably pulling away.

Maximus: Parting had become a bittersweet endeavor. He realized in this moment, taking a step back from Xavier's handsome figure, that their relationship was akin to an arranged marriage, more than that of master and slave. He would rather believe that than the truth. Wondered if in some measure Xavier felt the same. A fantasy which would live in his head as comfort, until the day it would no longer provide sustenance.

"A shadow will be with you shortly."

Xavier: He had to allow himself one final stroke of Maximus' cheek. Just a single one to sustain him until they sat down to eat.

"Very well," he said softly, smiling as he let his hands fall away. "I'll await them down in the cellar." And select one of his best bottles for their meal.

With that fond smile still lighting his face, Xavier started back toward the house.

#Playing with Fire chapter #maximusfairchild

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fericita-s · 5 years ago

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There’ll Be Dancing

Another story for the When all is Lost series that @the-spastic-fantastic and I have been torturing each other with. Major thanks to her for helping me get this story to where it is!

This is set before In Vino Veritas, during Agnarr’s 18th birthday celebration. The link to When All is Lost above goes to AO3, where all of the stories are in in order.

***

In the spring of 1843, the arrival of a new ship in the Arendelle harbor did not signify a new shipment of goods. Instead, it heralded the arrival of a new princess or lady or ridiculously wealthy daughter of a foreign merchant on her way to meet the king. Henrik tried to be present in the castle for as many of these visits as possible, dressed in his most fashionable attire with his hair slicked back. “You can’t marry them all, Agnarr, maybe one will see me and decide she can do better anyway!”

Agnarr was glad someone was having fun with this procession of women. His councilors, especially Captain Calder, impressed upon him the need to woo the kingdoms and merchants, if not the women. “It’s a sign of respect to host their eligible women and entertain the notion of marriage alliance and preferred trading status. This is delicate work, renegotiating trade agreements and tariffs,” Captain Calder had told him privately. “You be attentive to them and I will be attentive to the details of our kingdom’s interests.” Agnarr didn’t bother asking if his interests mattered. He knew it was his duty to maintain strong trade partners and forge new defense pacts with kingdoms known for military prowess. Arendelle had recovered well from its dark days following the Northern Expedition, but it remained a small kingdom with its security based on economic growth. Safe only so long as its ships carried goods all over Europe, supplying the continent’s booming population with ice and other essential exports.

Agnarr wasn’t particularly excited about the prospect of marrying someone in order to keep Arendelle strong. But, a marriage could quell worries that a neighboring country would become a hostile country. The Southern Isles were growing more powerful, Weselton always had an eye on expanding its influence, and any number of rich foreigners could bring new business and industry to Arendelle if marriage to the king was the incentive. Lady Wollen had carefully explained to him, while warning not to let it go to his head, that he was considered quite the eligible, young bachelor. In her role as Minister of State, she had been fielding numerous diplomatic match-making inquiries for the past four years. He understood. He was the king.

But every time he took Duchess Alexsandra from Weselton on a riding tour of the coast, or Lady Tunde on a bird watching trip within the castle grounds, or Princess Erzsebet on a walk to visit the new chocolate shop in the village, what filled his mind was visions of Iduna with her bare feet in the grass, picking up a worm and studying it. Iduna climbing a tree to better see the setting sun. Iduna directing where the gardens should be planted and which berries should be collected and which herbs were best for medicinal teas. Iduna, who had also been without a family too young, and who also knew what it was to be lonely and alone.

What he really wanted was to know if Iduna would be his wife. The council might not suggest it outright, but they wouldn’t prevent him from marrying someone of his own choice. A few times he had tried to talk to her about it. Before Princess Erzsebet’s ship arrived, he had asked Iduna to go with him to the chocolate shop to be sure it was suitable for his foreign guest. He had even tried to broach the subject of courtship and marriage, but it had not gone well. He went over the conversation in his mind again, trying to figure out how he could have been more clear about his feelings for her. He was able to communicate well in council meetings and when addressing his people as their King. So why was he always so inept around Iduna when it came to this part of his heart?

He thought he had started off rather chivalrously and very kingly, pulling out a chair for her and buying her several squares of different chocolate to taste. “Thank you for coming here with me. I know how hard it is for you to take time off from the apothecary.”

Iduna had smiled, one of her genuine, happy smiles and answered, “Oh, it’s not as busy as running a kingdom, but it’s nice to take a break! And this chocolate is delicious. I’ve been wanting to try this new shop for some time. It’s really lovely.”

Agnarr had been relieved their time together still felt as easy as it had when they were younger. He too smiled as he spoke. “Oh good, I wanted to be sure Princess Erzebet will be impressed. Captain Calder keeps telling me how important it is for us to maintain a good relationship with The Southern Isles, and if I accidentally poison her when she arrives in a few days, I think he might find a way to fire me.”

Agnarr had expected her to laugh at that, and was surprised when she stopped eating her piece of chocolate, put the remainder on her plate, and wiped her mouth. He continued talking to cover the sudden silence, offering her a piece of his chocolate. Perhaps he shouldn’t have mentioned poison while they were eating. “He’s really been concerned about a good alliance through marriage. I know the kingdom needs heirs and it’s expected of me, but it feels so strange to be sized up like a prize horse. I think, though, if I told him I preferred to decide on my own and wanted to pay formal court to one person, he would drop these scheduled visits. Do you think – “

But Iduna had cut him off, suddenly remembering that Mr. Visser needed her to restock the supplies that day. He had wanted to say that when he thought of what was best for him and what was best for Arendelle, it was her. That if she would have him, he would refuse any more visits from any more eligible ladies, and tell his council to make trade deals and alliances without the promise of marriage muddling it up.

Iduna, while open about so much - what she thought about steam locomotives or crop rotation or the latest novel from Denmark - did not say or even hint what she might be feeling about him. Ever. In his own clumsy way he had tried to ask over the years, but it came out wrong, or not at all, or she quickly changed the conversation. One day, before she had even taken the position at Visser’s Apothecary and was just starting to consider leaving the orphanage they had been having a particularly rousing debate on the benefits of expanding aquaculture versus funding deep sea fishing ventures. He followed her to the courtyard and asked her what her plans were for the future. “Do you think you will stay in Arendelle? I mean, I would like you to stay, and I think it would benefit the kingdom.” He had tried to take her hand, but she backed away, saying “Of course I’ll stay, no need to grab me to keep me here! I don’t think I could bear to leave my garden,” and he was left opening and closing his hand, as if he was just flexing his hand muscles while out for a walk on the grounds.

Now, as his eighteenth birthday was drawing close, the castle was to host a ball in celebration. All of the ladies who had visited previously would be making return trips, with several new ones attending to be presented for the first time. Agnarr had also secured places on the guest list for the graduates of the Royal Academy, Arendelle’s pride and hope for the future. Today Iduna was meeting him in the gardens – her gardens – to help him select the bouquets for the visiting dignitaries and ladies.

He met her at the castle gate and thanked her for coming. She seemed a bit more formal than usual. Perhaps whatever was bothering her the day they spent at the chocolate shop had not been resolved. As they walked the rows, he tried to start one of their easy and lively conversations by saying “Lady Wollen says the ladies should know that I picked the flowers, it makes it more meaningful. “

Instead of making a joke, or telling him the history and husbandry of the roses in the castle garden, Iduna sighed and straightened, putting a hand over her eyes to shield from the sun. He realized how inconsiderate he was being at once.

“Forgive me, you’ve been standing all day and the apothecary, you must be tired. Let’s go sit on the porch and I’ll have Gerda bring us something to drink.”

Iduna nodded, though he noticed it was unenthusiastic. Very well, perhaps something sweet like lemonade would be the remedy. Gerda was quick to see to their needs and soon they were drinking comfortably in the shade.

“I’m glad you plan to come to my birthday ball. Lady Wollen went over the guest list with me this morning.”

Iduna smiled, though it was a guarded one. One that he had seen her use with particularly trying customers, but never with him. “Yes, your majesty, I’m happy to come and celebrate your birthday. Though I’m sure with so many visitors, you won’t have much time for the academy crowd.”

“Of course I will! You’re the only ones who will make it bearable. Besides, even though it’s my birthday, I’ll be giving out gifts that night and I have a special one for you.”

Some of her genuine smile returned. “Oh? And will it be a gold hammer? Or a golden bicycle wheel? What wonderful golden gift did you think of this time?”

He was relieved to have her tease him, to be playful rather than pained in her expression. “I gave you one bad gift, one time!” He laughed and blushed. “Will you ever let me forget that mortar and pestle?’

“That depends. Do you plan on giving me anything worse?” her smile was full now, she was enjoying this.

“Actually, it is gold, at least partly.” She laughed again, and it was like being fourteen again when he could tell her anything. “Iduna, I know what I really want for my birthday. And I know what I’d like to give you. I hope you’ll like it.” She could see that he wasn’t teasing anymore, and had trouble meeting his eyes as he continued. He noticed a flush on her cheeks, and wondered if the sun had been too strong for her while they were in the sunlight of the garden.

“I know it must seem strange that all of these ladies keep coming to the castle, and that I have to spend so much time with them. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t even know how to talk to women at all! And what I really want is for your help always, in – “

But before he could continue, Iduna spilled her glass of lemonade, jumped up with apologies, and excused herself to go home. “I’ll see you at the ball. I promise I won’t miss it.”

***

The day of the ball was tortuous, having to try on the different coats and trousers and hats, and each time pinning on the military medals that he hadn’t earned. Captain Calder insisted on that. “It shows that, though young, you are a serious man and should be treated as such. You’ve seen battle.” Agnarr resisted pointing out that he hadn’t seen battle. He had been unconscious. And fourteen. And would have been useless even if he hadn’t been hit on the head immediately during the massacre. But he knew Captain Calder meant well, and he knew this night was more for Arendelle’s alliances to celebrate the strength of their bond than a celebration of his eighteenth birthday. It was fine. It was part of being king.

As he stood at the receiving line, trying to remember the names of each visiting lady and each citizen, he kept looking for Iduna. He had arranged with Maddie and Greet that he would pay for all three of their gowns, as long as they didn’t let Iduna know the money came from him. They were to tell her that their seamstress friend was able to procure fabric and patterns for a fraction of the normal price. Iduna remained mostly indifferent to fashion, and was satisfied to follow her friends’ lead on what to wear. Agnarr had heard reports from Maddie that the dresses were beautiful, and that Iduna looked exquisite in her midnight blue gown.

She did. It took his breath away as he caught sight of her entering the ballroom, in a way both familiar and surprising. She had always seemed to make the air around him feel different. Tonight he ached to look at her. Her hair was swept off of her shoulders, and her bare neck was a revelation. How had he known her for four years and never known her neck to be so beautiful, so smooth, so inviting?

As she came through the line, and took her hand in his, their gloves touched briefly, and then were apart. He remembered how often they had held hands on their explorations of the woods, years ago when she still lived at Eir’s, and how he had mourned the loss of her touch when it stopped. How nice it would be to take her hand whenever he wished, to go through an event like this with her beside him. They could make a game of counting ugly hats, or wager on which duke’s shoes had the highest heel. He had to hold her hand again, and soon. He had dozens of gifts to give out, dozens of women he was assigned to dance with, and dozens of dignitaries left to greet. But if he didn’t hold her hand again, he didn’t think he could do anything else.

He bowed to her. “Will you dance with me?”

Iduna curtsied. “Your majesty, they aren’t playing music yet.”

“They will if we start dancing. It’s my party after all.” He took her hand again, and felt his whole body relax as he did. After a day and evening of adhering to protocol, he felt like he was himself again. Not just figurehead King Agnarr, but Agnarr who liked to explore and learn with his best friend. He understood who he was more deeply when Iduna was with him.

He led her to the dance floor, and when he indicated, the orchestra began to play a waltz. She arranged her skirt and then put her free hand on his shoulder. He liked the sensation of her light touch on his shoulder; it was like she was keeping him steady, keeping him on the ground. He knew from the dance lessons overseen by Lady Wollen that his hand should go on her waist, but it felt strange to hold her there. It was a closer, more intimate touch than they had ever had, and he inhaled sharply as his hand settled there. She too seemed startled, though not unwelcoming, of it, and smiled at him in a way he couldn’t identify. He thought he knew all of her smiles, but this one was new. As they began the easy steps of the waltz, other couples joined them on the dance floor to do the same.

He liked how his mouth was close to her ear, how he could see the individual strands of her hair making up her braided coronet. He had never been this close to her, and as they danced, he felt the weight of unsaid things and unspoken hopes. He gripped her more tightly, and then relaxed his hold, worried she would notice his behavior and find it odd. Lady Wollen had not spent years training him in the etiquette of formal state affairs for him to act like a confused child with his most cherished friend. Usually, Iduna would be the one he told about feeling inadequate to the kingly duty weighing on him, but in this instance, when she was what he was feeling unsure about, he did not know what to do. So instead of speaking, he savored their closeness, the feel of her hand in his, her smile as she caught his eye. As the song drew to a close, he cleared his throat and spoke. “After this, I’ll have to dance with the others. But I wanted to give you your gift. You might want to wear it.”

She raised an eyebrow. “I did come wearing something already. Something that I suspect you had something to do with.”

“And if I did?” He didn’t want to admit to anything, not until he knew how she felt about. Would she be grateful? Resentful? He knew how much she hated depending on others for her needs. Back when she started working at Mr. Visser’s, she had begun paying Eir a weekly stipend to pay back the time she had spent in her care.

“If you did, I would say thank you, your majesty. You are a kind and thoughtful king, as I am sure these ladies vying for your attention will soon find out.”

Encouraged by her acceptance of the dress, he led her away from the dance floor and into a small alcove with a balcony, already regretting the loss of his hand at her waist and hers on his shoulder. His hand felt hot through his glove, and he felt like he was fourteen again, worried that she would feel his sweat and drop his hand. He dropped her hand for a moment to reach into his pocket, and hand her the necklace he had ordered made for her. It was an imprint of a fossil they had found out on a skerry, about half an inch long and in the perfect shape of a very small shell, set in gold with a delicate chain. “Is this to your liking?”

He expected a joke about it being gold, or a comment that it wasn’t a good way to preserve a fossil. Instead, she swallowed a few times, blinked twice, and said “It’s lovely. Will you put it on me?”

Iduna turned her back to him so he could fasten the necklace around her neck. It was dizzying standing behind her, with her hair so close to his face, her neck to close to his mouth. He felt like they were still dancing but to music to which he did not know the steps. He clasped the chain, taking several attempts as his gloved hands felt clumsy and uncertain. She touched the medallion and turned. “It’s beautiful. I love it. Thank you.”

It was all the words he wanted to say, but he found he couldn’t. He stared at her, longing to take her hand, and unsure if she would want him to. She met his eyes, and he wasn’t sure what to read into them. “Iduna, I – “

Lady Wollen interrupted. “Oh Iduna, don’t you look lovely! Agnarr, I’m sure you remember you must dance with our guests. I believe Lady Tunde was first on your dance card?” Lady Tunde was with Lady Wollen, and rather unhappily took notice of Iduna’s necklace. He thought he saw her scowling at the crocus pin she wore, the same gift he had given every lady visiting from foreign shores.

“Yes, of course,” Agnarr bowed to Iduna, gave her a smile of apology, and followed Lady Wollen to his assigned partner. He followed his dance card the rest of the night, but did not see Iduna again. Had she left early? Taken a walk in the garden with Maddie and Greet? Did she truly like the necklace?

***

The next morning, a gift appeared outside his bedroom room. A jar of lutefisk, a lumpy package wrapped in paper, and a note in Iduna’s handwriting. “So you will always remember ‘The Incident’ and so you will always remember me.” He unwrapped the paper and found a heavy stone, a fossil sunken in on one side, with the spiraling shape of an ancient sea creature. It was one they had found together, and never figured out exactly what it was called. A thing that had been alive, and left proof all these years later that it had lived and left its mark. He ran his fingers over it, liking the feel of it, but wishing for her hand again.

#when all is lost #king agnarr #iduna #agduna #mama and papa arendelle #royal ball

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chubbyooo · 5 years ago

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Blurred Lines: Cursed Past Chapter 67 - Loose Ends

hey hey everyone I’m gonna try my best to get some regular chapters out so here we go with a new bad guys chapter :D

Terri and Zash find the next ingredient and encounter a familiar face

Terri stirred awake slowly, what time was it? the last couple days had been such a blur, they had been so close to being caught on Jagomir she had been so scared but Zash had told her not to jump to hyperspace. She didn’t understand why but she said it would keep them off their back, she had to trust her right? she hadn’t steered her wrong so far.

Terri made her way to the cockpit where she could see a light green planet through the viewport “morning Zash” Zash seemed to come out of daze turning to look at Terri

Zash shook her head “oh good morning Terri my apologies I was miles away” Terri nodded sitting down next to her, Zash was probably meditating or something she had to get all that power from some kind of discipline. Zash gestured to the planet “I present the planet Kowak, commercially know for the export of the Kowakian Monkey Lizard but more notably for us a plant which has been reported to turn them mad” Terri frowned that was a lot of information all at once. She remembered Lusari had at one point been obsessed with the lizards, she thought they were adorable but Terri had to disagree they seemed so grumpy all the time Lusari had always liked weird things though.

Terri realised she hadn’t responded for over a minute “uh um I assume the plant is the ingredient” Zash didn’t seem to notice her get distracted at least

Zash nodded “well sort of, the list gives a very vague name of Stingwort extract, but I did some research and found out that common stingwort merely cause anaphylactic shock and death” Terri chuckled she’d clearly done her research

Terri smiled “merely death huh?” Zash looked confused at her but then her face softened into a smile

she let out a slight chuckle “yes, well anyway I found that a rare strain of red Stingwort present on Dathomir and on this planet, apparently there is research being done on Kowak about it’s effects on animals” Terri nodded along trying her best to understand as Zash continued to ramble “apparently a bile secretion can cause the monkey lizards to become savage and or insane” Terri’s eyes widened that was horrifying those poor lizards

Terri cocked her head “you found this all out on the holonet?” Zash gave her a coy smile

she chuckled “well not exactly it was a top secret project but clearly not well secured enough for me” Terri nodded she wasn’t so sure the methods were right but taking down this lab seemed like a good idea, for the lizards of course and for Lusari she’d hate this.

Terri picked up the list of ingredients “are you sure this is the right thing?” she wouldn’t exactly want to waste that time if it wasn’t even the right ingredient

Zash shrugged “it’s the best option we have but don’t worry I’ve got a pretty good hunch about this one” Terri conceded if Zash was sure she trusted her judgement

After a short flight Zash landed the ship in a clearing and brought up a holopad, Terri was still unclear on the plan but she assumed Zash had one, she was certainly acting like she had one.

Zash made her way into the humid jungle air “ok the lab isn’t too far from here and the security seems less than apt, we should be able to steal some of the bile as long as we’re sneaky” Terri nodded glad she had a personal stealth field

Terri was curious about the lab though “are we just gonna get in and out? it seems kinda uh” Terri trailed off not sure if she should say it

Zash frowned at her “no go ahead speak your mind” Terri smiled she guessed it wasn’t so bad

Terri held her neck “well uh doing experiments on animals seems a little wrong, I dunno Lusari always liked these lizard things and I think she wouldn’t want it to continue” Zash nodded as they crept towards the compound

Zash smiled at Terri “tell you what if we have time we can also make sure they can’t test anymore how about that” Terri smiled she didn’t know how to explain it she just wanted to help

soon they were at the compound wall and Zash turned to Terri “ok I’m going to stride through I’ll try and find something to help you get in” Terri nodded watching as Zash vanished through the wall, she wished she could do that it would certainly save a lot of time.

She poked at the floor with a stick as she waited around but suddenly she felt something land on her shoulder, she turned to see a red monkey lizard sitting there looking at her. Terri jumped back in alarm as it clinged to her shoulder looking at her quizzically

it cocked it’s head at her “um hello?” Terri said cautiously it let out a friendly scree at her. Terri cautiously moved her finger closer to scratch its chin, it quickly moved in for a scratch “wow you’re really friendly aren’t you?” it cocked its head at her again. She looked around “um are you going to uh get off me” it didn’t seem to understand just sitting on her shoulder “ok fine but if you’re going to sit there you have to be quiet” it let out a quiet scree, Terri let out a sigh of relief it seemed to somewhat understand

Suddenly she noticed a long hose drape down the wall next to her, she guessed Zash had found a way to get over, she did her best to climb it but it did take her the better part of 15 minutes.

Finally she shimmied down next to Zash “finally Terri we’re not trying to get caught you know” Terri looked away awkwardly

she stammered “sorry I’m not very good at climbing” Zash nodded seeming a little annoyed

Zash chuckled “just count yourself lucky this lab only built Ferrocrete walls...” she was going to continue but then she noticed the Monkey Lizard on Terri’s shoulder “what exactly is that” Terri looked away she was really in for it today

“um well he landed on my shoulder and wont leave” Zash sighed holding her head

Zash turned to the lizard “ok fine but it better stay quiet or else” the lizard let out an aggravated scree at Zash before falling silent. Zash shook her head “lets just get inside activate your stealth field” Terri nodded as Zash disappeared from sight

Terri gave the lizard a scratch “Ok be quiet umm” how should she refer to him “Scrap” that seemed accurate enough. Scrap let out a little chuckle patting her shoulder before falling silent, Terri sighed she had a feeling she’d accidentally adopted a monkey lizard Lusari would be so proud.

They made their way into the lab following a scientist in and soon found themselves in the equivalent of a botanical garden, Terri had to admit it was very pretty in here.

Zash grabbed her hand leading her forward as she whispered “the red Stingwort is this way follow me, Zash lead her towards a large door. Once inside they were met with the sight of a large red almost bulb which sat with many tubes coming off it leading to different pieces of equipment.

They crept forward but Zash held Terri back as they noticed two figures in the room, they seemed to be discussing the plant the one facing towards them was a Duros they seemed to be holding a syringe hopefully of the Stingwort essence.

The other seemed human or at least near human her hair was short and a mix of red and black when she spoke her voice almost seemed to echo it was weirdly familiar “get this version of the formula finished as soon as possible this may be exactly what we need to gain control over the behaviour” the Duros nodded and the human left heading away from the plant lab.

The Duros seemed to get right back to work as Terri and Zash stood there, Terri whispered “what should we do?” could they just steal it now? was that even the right formula?

Zash responded quickly “leave the Duros for now head lets head over to the plant I can work out how to extract it from there” Terri nodded only then realising Zash couldn’t see that. They crept over to the plant as the Duros began to hum a tune to himself, after a few minutes of Terri standing around not understanding any of the contraptions around her Zash tapped her on the shoulder “I got it they’re extracting it out here” she lead her over to a terminal where a small jar half full of pink fluid was slotted in being very slowly filled “it’s extremely volatile so we most likely will have to take it all or it will break down” Terri had no problem with that this all seemed very sketchy

But as Zash was carefully picking up the jar Scrap let out a scree, Terri jumped back in shock oh no why couldn’t he have stayed quiet she began whispering “sshhhhh it’s ok scrap” but it was too late the Duros looked over towards them

he narrowed his eyes “is someone there?” he made his way over as Terri froze up what should she do? before she could think of anything she saw Zash appear behind him and with a quick smack with the jar he was out cold

Zash looked to Terri “I told you that thing would be trouble” Terri let her invisibility drop too and nodded

she couldn’t deny this was scraps fault “yeah sorry I thought he’d be quiet” Zash turned around without a word heading to where the Duros was working

she pocketed the syringe he’d been messing with “it’s fine at least now we can take this as well, whatever that woman was talking about has piqued my interest” she made her way over to the plant “oh also I believe you wanted to stop this cruelty right?” she put her hand on the plant and concentrated. Terri watched as it slowly began to wither the buds leaves slowly cracking and releasing a black ichor, soon however all that was left was some dead plant matter and a puddle of black sludge. “there we are no more testing and we have our Stingwort essence” Terri was bewildered she made that look easy

Terri’s eyes were wide “wow Zash you seem right in your element” Zash smiled at her passing Terri the jar of bile

Zash smiled “believe it or not this isn’t the first time I’ve nicked a powerful compound from an enemy” Terri chuckled she definitely believed that. Terri put the jar in her bag as Zash dragged the Duros into a hiding spot, Terri would feel bad but he was doing experiments on animals he seemed like a baddie.

But then suddenly she heard something faint from behind her, she swivelled around and gasped in shock as the woman from before stood in front of her. But it wasn’t just anyone, the cracked face, the yellow eyes, the red and black hair and that demeanour it was Darth Malora.

She frowned at her “well well well there appears to be some escaped acolytes in my lab” she put her arm into her labcoat and drew her lightsaber “now what could such entertainment be doing here?”...

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emeraldwaves · 6 years ago

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Title: The Pirate Queen Pairing: Kacchako Part 1 Rating: T Word Count: 4,017 Summary: Admiral Bakugou Katsuki is tired of the "Pirate Queen", Uraraka Ochako eluding him and his captains. Slowly, she becomes all he can think about. But only because he vows to chase her down and capture her once and for all.

AO3

This is for the @kacchakosecretsanta event for @intheafterall !! I did a pirate AU! With Pirate!Ochako and Admiral!Bakugou I hope you enjoy this!! This is part 1/4 and all of it is written I just split it up to be an easier read. Thanks to @liziscribbles for betaing!

The knife slammed down into the table, tearing through the map. Smacking both of his hands against the table, Bakugou growled in frustration.

"The fuck are you idiots doing!?" he snapped.

Neither of the young officers wished to answer, too scared of the wrath they were certain to incur. Bakugou's red eyes immediately narrowed, his fingers trembling with rage as they dragged along the map and slowly curled into fists.

"Admiral..." Kirishima began softly. "You know how she is... we-"

"Let me fucking guess... you tried," he hissed. "You tried to catch her, even though the spot was marked perfectly on the map. Our informant gave us all the damn information you needed."

"W-We're starting to think they might not be as reliable as we think. Or... she's feeding information purposefully," Kaminari stammered.

"I should've gone my fucking self. I've got fucking Todoroki breathing down my neck. This pirate situation isn't getting any better and the last thing I need is him questioning what the hell we're doing over here!"

Bakugou flipped the back of his jacket up as he took a seat in the chair and rubbed his forehead. "This is the fourth time we've failed," he growled. "What the hell is happening?"

"Her ship is fast," Kaminari explained. "It's like it floats on water!"

"I know what her fucking ship is like," Bakugou hissed. "I still don't know where the hell it came from, but I know it's fast."

"Her crew is strong. Talented. They're the best of the best! I would almost guess you trained them yourself, they're so strong!" Kirishima snorted.

Bakugou's grip on the chair tightened. "Do you want me to pull my pants down so you can kiss my ass harder, Captain?" he hissed and Kirishima's face turned as red as his damn hair.

"N-No..." he stammered.

"I mean... they call her the Pirate Queen for a reason," Kaminari added.

"I don't care what people call her. I will dethrone her and behead her for all to see. No pirates will roam my waters," he hissed.

"Well... technically the waters belong to the Prince," Kaminari hummed softly.

"Does the ocean really belong to anyone?" Kirishima asked, tapping his finger against his chin.

Bakugou grumbled, squeezing his hands against the arms of the chair. "I'll kill you both..."

"S-Sorry, sir..." Kaminari laughed softly, rubbing his hand against his neck.

"Gather your crew, Kirishima," Bakugou muttered, pushing himself out of the chair. He reached towards the map and grabbed his knife. "We're going after her."

"But Bakugou... we don't even know where she is anymore! No one hasn't sent word, and we've been unable to track her ship at all..." Kirishima spoke quickly, rushing his words as Bakugou brushed past him.

"I don't care. I will find her ship and destroy it. If we kill the 'Pirate Queen', we'll set an example for all to see. Pirating will not be tolerated by myself or the Prince..." he growled.

"Since when have you cared so much about what the damn Prince wants," Kirishima folded his arms. "It could be dangerous and costly to take a crew out if you don't know where you're going."

"His coronation is coming up..." Bakugou growled, tucking his knife away. "He's spoken openly about making the waters safer for travel and exports, and I don't feel like listening to him yell at me when we can't handle one puny pirate ship! The guy is annoying as fuck." He spoke the last words quietly. Slandering the Prince's name was something he knew he could get away with in front of these two, but didn't particularly care to get in trouble if anyone overheard.

"Right... but getting rid of her isn't going to get rid of all pirates," Kirishima said. "With... all due respect sir, I think we should consider waiting-"

"WAITING!? I'm tired of waiting for you morons to get shit done when I could've done it myself months ago!" he snapped.

She appeared seemingly out of nowhere... Uraraka Ochako was the name provided to him when Prince Todoroki Shouto's ship was attacked on return from visiting his fiancée, the Lady Yaoyorozu Momo. The Lady was meant to travel across the sea for the coronation ceremony, but the prince was hesitant to have her do so with so many pirates on the loose.

As Admiral of the Todoroki fleet... Bakugou was in charge of taking care of this problem—namely Uraraka Ochako.

Pirates existed before her, but most of them were far too scared of the Admiral's fleet to actually try anything. He was respected amongst his men, and considered one of the best Admirals the fleet had ever seen. He captured pirates and protected the seas. It was his duty to do so, and he did a damn good job.

But Uraraka Ochako was different. She laughed in his face, speeding around his ocean in her ship, which appeared to float atop the water.

And she was immediately dubbed the Pirate Queen, for being able to constantly outrun various ships in the fleet.

According to reports, she never actually killed anyone. She stole money, jewels, and treasure, but she rarely harmed a soul. How she could do that was beyond him. In fact, her whole being was mystery to Admiral Bakugou Katsuki. Though Kaminari and Kirishima were two of his most trusted comrades from his early days in the fleet, they continued to prove if Bakugou wanted something done correctly, he had to do it his damn self.

Indeed, Pirate Queen Uraraka Ochako never had to deal with the Admiral Bakugou Katsuki himself, and he was going to give her a helluva time.

"Get your crew together," he hissed again. Just thinking about her made him want blow some shit up.

"But..."

"Kirishima! Don't make me pull rank with you," Bakugou growled. "I will be getting rid of this... Pirate Queen once and for all!"

"I just really don't know if this is going to solve all the pirate problems we're dealing with..." Kirishima begged. "Let's at least try and get some word-"

"You're an idiot if you don't think I have some sort of plan." Bakugou snapped, cutting Kirishima off. He didn't wish to deal with the idiocy anymore.

Bakugou clenched his fists at his side. "She is the main problem… Uraraka... Ochako."

The ocean breeze was always calm in the morning, her brown locks brushing over her round, pink cheeks. The salty air tickled her nose and she hummed softly, enjoying the relaxing sway of the boat while she lay in the crow's nest.

"Captain!" A frantic voice called out and she shot up, her hair tossed about every which way.

She blinked, realizing the sun was far higher in the sky than she initially realized and she probably shouldn't have been lazing around all day. She gently stroked her finger over the golden locket around her neck. No, she was never one for being lazy.

"Captain!" the voice repeated, "Are you up there!?"

"Ah! Deku!" she called back, leaning over the edge. "I'll be right down!" Leaping forward, she grabbed one of the ropes from the sail and swung down, her body twirling around the large mast as she dropped to the deck.

Deku blinked, watching as she stood up, looking completely unfazed. "You know you can just call me Ochako if you want," she said. "I know I'm technically your Captain, but at this point, it's safe to say we're friends."

"But... you're the Captain," Deku mumbled, biting his lip.

"Oh, you and Iida need to stop doing this," she snorted. "I know you're ex-navy but we don't have to be so formal here!"

"I know, I know, you always say this!" he chuckled.

"And one of these days you two will listen!" she giggled. "Anyway, what's up?"

"A-AH! Right!" Deku gasped. "The Prince's fleet... word is... Admiral Bakugou isn't happy with you."

Uraraka couldn't help but smirk. "The Admiral himself?" she hummed, rocking back and forth on her feet. The sash around her belt swayed against her leg and she hopped to the side, bouncing in her boots. "I guess he's finally tired of sending his crew out to do his dirty work."

"Well... according to my sources," Deku began, flipping through the log book he held, "it seems the Prince's fiancée will be traveling across the sea for his coronation and their wedding very soon."

Uraraka's eyes lit up. "Oh?"

"U-Uraraka..." Deku stammered, already disliking the look in her eyes. Her entire crew was familiar with that particular look...

"Deku! Don't you realize the kind of treasure that would be on those ships?!" she said, rubbing her hands together.

"The second Iida hears about this he's never going to approve," Deku sighed.

"Mmm. I'm the Captain of the Uravity!" she laughed. "Iida's gonna have to do what I say!"

"I know..." Deku said, twisting his lips to the side.

She clasped her hands behind her, walking to the edge of the ship. "I know it's risky," she whispered. "But think... of all the people we could help with that money."

Deku walked to stand next to her, watching the small waves gently lap against the side of their large ship. He pursed his lips, nodding. "Yeah I know."

"Other people deserve that money more," she said. "It's not like I think the Prince or the Lady are bad people. As far as rulers go, they seem very... kind actually. But why can't we distribute it more..."

"And this is why you're the Queen," he smirked, gently tapping his fingers against the book.

"Please, I'm not a Queen," Uraraka replied quickly, her pink cheeks flushing. She waved her hand back and forth. "Deku... I just want to help people, even if it's not the most, uh, legal way to do so!" she laughed. "This is... what I'm good at. Might as well embrace it right?"

Uraraka never expected to be the 'queen of the pirates'. In fact, she never planned on doing much of anything. As the daughter of poor farmers, she expected to inherit the land and work for her parents for her entire life.

However, it all changed when her village was attacked by a band of rogue pirates. They plundered the land, stealing everything from the poor. The only thing left from her village Uraraka owned was the small golden locket she wore around her neck. And, being the young girl she was, Uraraka was taken by the pirates.

Assuming she would be sold off, Uraraka wasn't going down without a fight. She impressed the captain at the time through her diligence and hard work as a kitchen girl and lookout. So instead, he took her under his wing.

Uraraka learned quickly to follow his instructions if she did not wish to die. She watched silently as they stole money and greedily hoarded it for themselves over and over. Poor folk were left even poorer, and Uraraka knew she couldn't let it stand.

She made a pact with herself; if this was to be her life, she would find a way to make it good.

When the captain finally died, Uraraka was one of the first to strike up her sword. After spending years practicing her swordsmanship skills, she struck down his crew, banishing them from what was now her ship.

The Uravity.

It was then she assembled her own crew of like minded people. Her mission was a simple one. They stole from the wealthy and gave it back to the poor. And though what they did was illegal, she knew it was also right.

It was why so many people chose to join her.

She smiled at Deku. "I just... want to do what's best for people like my parents. People who deserve to be... taken care of."

"I know," Deku nodded. "And while you may not consider yourself a Queen... we all know you're one of the kindest, most thoughtful people around."

"Maybe," she giggled. "But I still could go to prison!"

She turned her gaze back out the sea, watching the waves rise and fall gently. The open ocean was a strange entity. One moment it was like this, calm, soft rolling waves, and then next it could eat you alive with it's angry storms and thrashing waves. But, right now, enveloped by the salty sea air and bright sun, Uraraka never felt more alive.

This was her home. Her ship was a beautiful thing, and Uraraka had come to respect the water surrounding them. Even if she didn't technically choose this life, she like to think it chose her.

"I don't think there's anything wrong with what you do-well, okay..." Deku hummed, rubbing the back of his neck. "There are some things wrong but... I do think... helping people... even if you are stealing... is a good thing."

"Well... I don't ever want anyone to live like I did... like my parents did," she whispered.

"At this rate they won't," Deku said gently.

"Right!" Uraraka clapped her hands together. "If anyone needs me, I'll be in my quarters. Got lots of planning to do! And tell Iida, I won't be changing my mind," she called out, waving to Deku as she hopped down towards the entryway to the living quarters. Knowing Deku, he probably wouldn't tell Iida a thing and by the time they approached the ships, well, it would be far too late to turn back.

She stepped into her quarters and placed her long jacket over the chair. She smoothed her hand over the map laying on her desk. "The Admiral, huh," she whispered. Was she really so infamous the Admiral had to come after her himself?

Uraraka had never met the man, but she heard stories. He was young, but he climbed the ranks with his sheer tenacity. He was apparently an unstoppable force, that she indirectly stopped. She couldn't imagine he liked her very much, and she reveled in the fact.

Going after the ships the Lady Momo would be traveling with was a risky move. Surely, she would be guarded by various navy ships. Thinking it over, Uraraka could only assume it would be a trap.

A smirk pulled across her lips. "All the more reason to go."

"I don't like it," Todoroki huffed, folding his arms across his chest. "You'll be putting the Lady in direct danger. She is my fiancée and I wish for her to be protected."

Bakugou clicked his tongue. "We won't be putting anyone in danger. The entirety of the royal naval fleet will be there."

"And why should I have any faith that you can keep her safe when you haven't been able to catch this woman?" Todoroki stated bluntly.

Clenching his fists by his side, Bakugou bit down hard on his lip, not wanting to say anything rude to his Prince. Why the fuck was this asshole in charge?

Todoroki stepped down from his throne, glaring at Bakugou. "I need to get the Lady Momo here. We are to be married soon and I wish for her to be by my side during the coronation," he explained. "However, having her travel in this very public fleet doesn't seem like such a good idea. I don't... like it."

"I can assure you," Bakugou said, his voice slipping through his grit teeth, "nothing will happen to your woman. This is a good fuckin' chance to catch this bitch. Don't let me lose this opportunity Todoroki," he growled.

"Hm..." Todoroki hummed, pressing his finger against his chin. "I don't wish to put the Lady in danger, but I do recognize the problem this... Pirate Queen is causing," he sighed. "I believe the best solution would be to use a decoy ship. The Lady can travel in the smaller ship far behind the main fleet."

"You're not such an idiot after all," Bakugou muttered.

Todoroki was quick to roll his eyes. "I really shouldn't allow you to speak to the Prince like that-"

"Shaddup Half and Half!" Bakugou snapped. "I'm getting shit done for you, you should be fucking grateful!"

"Bakugou..." he muttered.

"We'll do the decoy ship plan. I'll send one ship with my strongest men to escort your woman, and the rest of them will follow the decoy. I'll stay with the decoy and finally take that bitch down."

A smirk pulled across his lips. What he didn’t tell the Prince was that he thought Uraraka would be smart enough to guess this would be their plan. He would stay with the Lady and keep her safe himself. Todoroki didn’t need to know Bakugou expected Uraraka to find Momo’s ship.

"I swear," Todoroki hissed, stepping towards him. "If anything happens to Momo because of your goddamn plan, I will kill you."

"Calm down," Bakugou said, rolling his eyes. "Nothing is going to happen to your damn woman!"

A sigh slipped from Todoroki's lips. "I really wish you wouldn't talk to your Prince like this."

"Oh shove it," he snarled, folding his arms across his chest.

Ignoring Bakugou's obnoxious behavior, Todoroki walked past him. "Everyone knows the Lady will be traveling to me. It isn't exactly hidden information. The 'Queen' will obviously go after the decoy," he lied quietly. "I do believe this is our best option for us both to get what we wish. Lady Momo will arrive on the mainland safely, while Uraraka Ochako is apprehended and taken into your custody.

"I will hang her and make an example of her for all pirates to see. I will not let her make a fucking fool of us any more," he hissed.

Todoroki raised his eyebrow. "A harsh punishment."

"Would you want me to spare her?!" he frowned.

"Not necessarily. Though I guess... I am curious what you think of the rumors."

"The fuck you talkin' about Prince" he asked angrily.

"They say she only takes treasure from wealthy ships, and apparently she redistributes the money among... poorer citizens. That's why they call her a Queen."

"What Queen has ever done shit like that?" Bakugou snorted.

"Touche," Todoroki nodded. "I wonder where her moral compass falls exactly. Apparently she hasn't even killed anyone."

"Does it matter?" Bakugou growled. "She's committing crimes! She's stealing! Shouldn't you be more concerned with this? Shattering your order or whatever the fuck?"

"Hm," Todoroki twisted his lips. "Maybe I should be. However, I am more concerned with violent pirates."

Bakugou resisted every urge to slap him. "I'm going to fucking kill her. She might be 'a good person', but that doesn't mean all pirates who follow after her will be as good," he hissed.

"...Keep Momo safe." Todoroki stated flatly. A tired sigh left his lips. "And if you catch Uraraka, do with her what you will."

"Oh, I fuckin' will," he growled, storming out to leave Todoroki alone in the throne room.

"The Admiral probably thinks I'm not very intelligent," Uraraka began with a laugh. She ran her finger over the edge of her locket, pursing her lips.

Ashido raised her eyebrow leaning against the desk. "What makes you think that?"

"Well there's no way the Prince would simply send his Lady across the ocean so publicly. He's practically asking for her to be attacked!" she said.

Everyone was well aware of how much the Prince seemed to adore the Lady Momo. Though they were betrothed at a young age, the two seemed close and happy, at least to the public.

"I believe this grand fleet they've set up is a decoy."

"Well," Ashido sighed, "you did say the Admiral is out to get you."

"Mhm. I think he's trying to set up a trap. He probably plans to have one ship with guards following behind this main parade of ships," she said, pointing on the map where she believed the ships would be.

"I agree, it is obviously a trap." Iida said, moving his hand up and down rigidly. "I think we should avoid this altogether."

"Boooooring," Ashido snorted. "Ochako, why did you let these losers join our crew again?" she asked, leaning towards Iida to bop him on the forehead.

"Ashido! I would like to ask you to refrain from hitting me on the forehead," Iida scoffed, folding his arms across his chest.

"Because Iida and Deku are good people. They're both very intelligent and I trust their opinions," Ochako smiled.

"Yeah Mina, calm down," Sero teased, nudging her side.

"Do you plan to follow the smaller ship?" Iida asked, ignoring Ashido and Sero playfully arguing in the corner.

"Mmm..." Deku tapped his chin. "It might be a good idea to send another ship towards the main fleet as a decoy."

"But we don't have another ship," Ashido was quick to point out.

"If we had another ship, I would agree with you," Uraraka nodded, adjusting her hat on her head. "But as it stands we only have the Uravity. I don't want to involve another crew and have to potentially split treasure with them! Or have them take it for themselves..."

Admittedly, Uraraka wasn't very trusting of other pirates.

"Right..." Deku muttered sadly. "Then, we should head directly for the Lady Momo's ship. I do think it'll follow behind in case of ambush. It's most likely safer farther back."

"You're right," Uraraka said, and slid their small boat replica across the map, pushing it towards the back of the fleet she drew up.

"Do you think the Admiral will be with the fleet?" Sero asked, "Or will he stay with the Lady?"

Deku twisted his lips, looking deep in thought. Of her entire crew, Deku and Iida were the only two to actually have any sort of contact with the Admiral. Deku always spoke highly of him, though he also explained Bakugou never was very well liked in the fleet. "I don't know..." he admitted. "The thing is... he's very intelligent. It just depends on how smart he thinks you are, Uraraka. Given your history... I have a feeling he'll be with the Lady."

"Then we'll prepare for a battle," she said.

"I still say it might be best if we all... stay away from this. Other ships will be around and the navy will be completely distracted with this task... wouldn't it be a good idea to go after others right now?" Iida suggested.

"That would probably be the safe thing to do." Uraraka nodded sagely, then giggled. "But since when have we ever done the safe thing?"

"That's my girl!" Ashido cheered.

"Prepare the ship," Uraraka said. "We don't have much time and I want to be sure to make it to the ship route by dawn."

Iida rubbed his hands together. "Are you sure this is what you want to do?"

"Positive," Uraraka nodded. "I'm not scared of the Admiral and I'm not going to back down from his very obvious challenge!"

"You are a brave woman, Uraraka," Deku stammered. "The Admiral is strong and a talented tactician. He's young and climbed the ranks due to his ruthless ways and intelligence."

"Yeah? Well... he could be an old fart and I'd still go after him," she giggled. "I'm not scared of him! We're the best pirates on this ocean, and I refuse to be scared off by some Admiral who has been too lazy to come after me himself until now."

Ashido laughed. "I know you're both kinda new here, so maybe you don't fully understand why Uraraka is the Pirate Queen?" she smiled, rocking back and forth on her feet. "But she's gonna kick the Admiral's ass. Just you watch." She winked, tossing her pink hair back over her shoulder, as she followed Uraraka out of the main cabin.

"You really don't have to call me a queen," she said, shaking her head, making her way towards the front of her ship. She wasn't scared; in fact the challenge really did excite her. Things had been getting a little boring as of late. "I will be showing The Admiral I'm a force to be reckoned with!" she smirked, looking out over her crew.

"Hoist the sails!"

And with Uraraka's command, they were off.

#kacchako #kss18 #bakugou katsuki #uraraka ochako #BNHA #boku no hero academia #pirate AU #secret santa event #part 1 of 4 #I'm sorry this is so long auewfijsd

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erikabancale21-blog · 6 years ago

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HOW TO COPE WITH STRESS AS A CUSTOMS STUDENT

Stress starts after you graduate in Senior High School, you don’t know what to do, what to expect, what course you want to take. Most of us are having more trouble in what course should we take because we might get wrong about it. Our parents as well are just so paranoid on what’s better for us. There’s only one time to make time to think and make a decision for yourself.

when you achieved so much back in your senior high school days and you know that life is completely different when you go to college. That is very stressful and hard to deal with. Not to mention that you will probably let go of your friends and go to the next chapter without them.

You’ll miss them and that’s stressful on your part. Wishing that maybe someone could take you back to that time but that’s not gonna happen. The thing is you have to made up your mind about things and have a final decision.

As for myself, I chose BSCA or Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration. I didn’t plan anything but I’ve always heard that in this course it is really an easy money as soon as you graduate and got a job. Who would have thought that it could be hard as rock. Thinking about it is so easy than being in an actual classroom with a blackboard that is full of computations about what not and what so. Stress already? hope that I know how to compute those things because I’m really having a hard time but let’s begin our agenda.

MY WAYS ON HOW TO COPE WITH MY OWN STRESS AS A CUSTOMS STUDENT......

1. SLEEP

have some time to sleep, It requires minimum effort and you get to escape the stress and woes of reality. Sometimes I wish we are smartphones, where we just need to plug ourselves in to recharge but not have to power down to do so. Sadly we are not smartphones so we need to sleep in order to recharge. For me, Sleeping is a very effective way to cope my own stress and hope it helps you too. No matter how busy your schedule is, you need to sleep or take a nap so that your body can still survive the stress in a daily basis. I hope you won’t dream about computations because it is very stressful as well haha. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-why-good-sleep-is-important

2. Meditate

You don’t need a Yoga instructor or whatsoever to help you meditate. You can meditate all by yourself. There are so many simple things you can do to have a perfect meditation and it’s all up to you. Being comfortable is the key to have a good meditation. Doing what your body wants is a meditation. You can have a stretching or what you want to do. You can also visit websites on how to meditate like https://alifeofproductivity.com/meditation-guide/.

3. Create A Diary/Journal

I, personally have a diary in where I store my secrets and talk about what just happened in a day. It helps me to track my changes if I actually have a change about my attitude and lifestyle. I usually wrote their about how bad my day was and what kind of solution i did enable to escape with it. The next day I read it, I will just laugh and know that i was able to last a stressful day. This is just an option if you like writing and if you like being so drama about yourself.

4. Music

Music is my life. i must say. it always helps me with my stress as a Customs Student. I just want to listen to music while answering the computations because it somehow made me think about a lot of things. What I like about music is if it has a great melody with strong lyrics. Before exams I always put my headset on as if I was just the only person in the classroom and everyone just completely disappear including the classroom if possible. kidding aside. Life is easy with music and i recommend this type of music during your stressful days. it might help if you have the same vibes as me. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_ways_music_can_make_you_healthier

Your stressful mind will be gone and all that’s left is a good music while you are doing a head bang. Rock n Roll.

5. Read A Good Book

I am a fan of books especially Science Fictions. I have a book about customs but it doesn’t help my stress. It only gives more stress to my head because of the theories that I need to memorize without understanding what it actually mean. I know that it will help me with my professional career but at times when I’m alone, I only want to spend some time for myself away from different kind of things that can make me stress. There is always a time for everything. It may be a form of procrastination. A terrible habit we all do, I mean most of us. I don’t know it’s just something I can’t discipline myself out of BUT if there is a good book, it completely drives me crazy that procrastination is not my thing anymore. STRESS = GOOD BOOK

6. Talk with people you LIKE/LOVE

Conversations are the most important but also delicate way we communicate with each other. What we say and how we say it affects a lot of what we intend to mean. In order for me to cope with stress, I always talk to people about it and I love it when they listen and gave advice to me. It makes me feel that I am not alone and sometimes words are not better left unsaid because it might make you crazy. Having a good talk with other Customs Student about things that are outside of Customs Administration is what makes me happy. I mean we are all human. We all have our hard times and we need some good times. I want to talk about Customs if we are in a classroom and in a middle of a test but when it’s outside the classroom then i don’t want to talk about Customs anymore. Learn to manage those conversations.

7. Take cool pictures

Sometimes, taking cool pictures about nature makes me calm and stress free. It reminds me how beautiful the world is. Some point, it made me realize that I should really study hard to reach my dreams and change the world. Even if being a Customs Administration Student is really hard but all the worries will be gone in just a photography. All of us want to change the world and make it a better place but change starts within ourselves. So I always have to time to study and at the same time have time to have a fun and wonderful life. Live in the moment because you would never know what will happen in the next day. capture every moment. Study hard. Live Life to the Fullest.

8. Laugh and Smile

I like to laugh and I like to smile. I mean, who doesn’t right? Well, I know some people don’t like how their smile looks. That’s probably why people cover their mouth when they laugh, huh? Our neutral face makes us looks like we are depressed/stress or sometimes angry. I always smile despite of the hardships of being a Customs student. Seeing the computations and theories that I know I may never understand. I just laugh and wait until my classmate gives me an answer hahaha. kidding aside. I just laugh because I know that even if it’s that hard I can always answer because I trust myself and I know what I’m capable of. Smiling and Laughing help me to boost my confidence as a Customs Student. have time to smile. laugh. it’s priceless. trust me.

You can cry when you laugh as well. That’s what always happened to me. I cry when I’m laughing or when I’m laughing I can cry. Tears of Joy they say. I am laughing because I have confidence in myself about answering the computations but I cried because It is that hard. is it still TEARS OF JOY?

9.TRAVEL

I always like going to different places in order to escape from reality and stress. Even if it is not that far, I always like to travel. No matter where it is. Travelling is an effective way to cope with stress and as a Customs Student, going to different places here in cebu makes me somehow a traveler and at the same time a person who doesn’t care about anything. TRAVEL = ESCAPE FROM STRESS. Well being a student of Customs Administration is like travelling around the world because all you talk about is Exports/Imports. There are a lot of customs laws and for me it is a guide in travelling around the world. It is an advantage for me as a customs student to be able to know the places and ports here in Philippines.

10. Get Organized

If you want to be out of stress as a Customs Student then you must be very organized with things. You need to put things into their right places just like solving the computations of Customs then you must know what are the answers and where to put them because you might get wrong. If you are not organized then you can feel stress because you will be very confused about things and where to put those. Sometimes being organized is the best way to live life simple and easy. If you don’t wanna get bothered (stress) about something. Learn to organize your things properly and in order.

THOSE ARE MY WAYS ON HOW TO COPE WITH STRESS AS A CUSTOMS STUDENT. I hope that you can relate to me and give a comment because I might answer and give you some tips. Don’t worry I’m not a stressful person hahaha. There are a lot of ways to cope with stress. What’s yours? If you also have some idea then comment and suggest about something that you want me to talk about. Always remember that LIVE LIFE THE FULLEST and DON’T LET STRESS EAT YOU. THANK YOU FOR READING. KEEP SAFE.

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fortitude-sakura · 6 years ago

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Noir [7/?]

AO3

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Naruto manages to haul Sasuke out of the club after the bouncer kicks them out (but not before Sasuke gets one last kick in), which a miracle in itself because Naruto is equally drunk. They take refuge at a nearby diner, ordering fries and the diner fry up to share.

Sasuke’s slumped in the booth, his head resting on his arms, his dark hair obscuring his face. They know he isn’t sleeping because he occasionally adds his own commentary during the conversation. The six of them are already crammed into a four person booth, Sasuke being like this only pushes Tenten closer to Neji - being sandwiched between the two.

Naruto goes on a rant about the creepy stranger and Tenten can’t help but feel guilty. She had started this by accepting the stranger’s offer to buy her a drink, knowing she had no intention of dancing with him at all. However, Hinata reaches across the table to pat her hand.

“It’s not your fault, Tenten. He was in the wrong.” she says reassuringly, and it makes Tenten feel worse. Hinata is unwaveringly kind and had always been so. She should have made more of an effort to be friends with her back then, even after Neji had left, even more so when Neji had stopped writing letters.

“Y’know I would have hit him too but two against one probably wasn’t fair.” Naruto laughs, “He deserved it though.”

“Motherfucker.” Sasuke mutters. Even Neji snorts.

“We should probably get going.” Hinata says, standing up.

“What? Why?” Naruto whines, shoving a piece of bacon into his mouth.

“Because we have brunch with father tomorrow morning.” Hinata reminds him gently.

“Oh. Right. That.” Naruto says, suddenly more alert at the mention of his future father-in-law. “Anyway, it’s been fun guys! We should hang out again.”

“Is this a regular thing for you guys?” she decides to ask as she watches Hinata and Naruto call for a taxi.

“Not at all.” Neji replies, shaking his head. “It’s always Naruto’s idea.”

Sakura is sitting across from her, watching Sasuke with concerned eyes. It was probably very awkward for her - being here with her boss of all people. But the way she saw it, her boss was pretty much KO’d and might not even remember what happened.

“Should we take him home?” Sakura asks, nodding at Sasuke.

“I would, but I need to sober up before I can drive.” Neji says apologetically. “Drank more than I intended to.”

He had always been the most responsible growing up. He was always the class captain and he was good at leading their peers. He never once backed down from cleaning duties and would always do them and pick up her slack too. He would always hand in his homework on time and it would return with red ticks. He’d always helped both Lee and her with homework whenever they needed it (which was more often than she cared to admit). The only time he ever got in trouble was when the three of them were laughing and talking in Chinese (something that made their teachers irrationally angry).

“I know where he lives.” she says simply.

Both she and Neji look at her, puzzled. Noticing this, Sakura adds quickly “I work as his assistant.”

What. The. Hell? This was the Director she was talking about? No wonder she looked so freaked out when she saw him.

“Ah.” Neji says, accepting the explanation.

Tenten felt like her brain was about to explode.

“I can call for an Uber and get him home. How about Tenten stays with you until you can drive and you could take her home?” Sakura offers. “I’m sure you have a lot to catch up on.”

“Sure.”

A man of many words, Hyuga Neji is.

And Tenten has never felt more grateful to her brilliant, beautiful roommate. She makes a mental note to buy her some dango tomorrow (and to grill her about Sasuke).

They shuffle out of the booth to let Sasuke out the booth corner he’s been half sleeping in when their Uber arrives a few minutes later.

“Alright, come on. Let’s get you home.” she says firmly. Sasuke grunts but lets her drape his arm on her shoulder and walk him out of the diner. Leaving Tenten alone with Neji with ten years of unanswered questions.

黑

With effort, Sakura manages to walk Sasuke to his building only to find that the front entrance requires a key card.

“Hey, where’s your keycard?”

“Hn. Hold on.” Sasuke grunts and she can smell the alcohol on his breath.

Someone’s in for a mega hangover tomorrow.

With great difficulty he manages to get his wallet out of the back of his pants and pull out a white card. They stumble into the lobby and he touches the card to the elevator scanner. More stumbling into the elevator and up they go.

Sakura’s mouth drops open when the elevator doors open up to reveal the penthouse apartment in the building. The penthouse boasted high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows gave way to a spectacular view of the city below. It was modestly furnished and had a lived in feel - a jacket thrown over a dining chair, yesterday’s paper on the coffee table, a wine decanter and a single wine glass on the kitchen island. An apartment befitting the Director of a large corporation.

“Impressed?”

She looks up to find Sasuke, her boss, smirking down at her.

“Come on. Where’s your room?” she tugs at his arm, ignoring his taunt and slipping out of her heels. She steadies him as he does the same with his own shoes.

Still leaning his weight against her, he directs her to his room.

It’s a lonely looking bedroom of charcoal greys and clean whites. A few picture frames on the bedside table.

She puts him on the king size bed and he doesn’t make to move, his legs dangling off the edge of the bed.

“Alright.” she says, putting on knee on the bed so she can help him take his jacket off. “Where are your pyjamas?”

“No.” he mumbles, not opening his eyes.

“I’m just going to bring them to you. Just tell me where they are.”

“No pyjamas.”

“I’m not going to judge you.” she pushes, “It’ll be better for you not to sleep in these clothes.”

“I. Don’t. Wear. Pyjamas.” he says, slurring.

Her face grows hot at the implication and she’s sure she’s about as red as her dress right now. She scrambles to get off the bed to put his jacket away somewhere when she feels his hands close on her wrist and she sits back down on the edge of the bed.

“I have to get home, Sasuke. I have something to do tomorrow morning.”

“Stay.” he says, finally opening his eyes and slowly sitting up. His thumb strokes the back of her hand softly, ever so gently. His face is inching closer to hers and she freezes, unsure of what to do. “Please.”

There’s a scared vulnerability in his voice as it cracks when he begs her to stay. It almost fees genuine and honest, but she isn’t sure if it’s the alcohol talking or the alcohol teasing out a side of Sasuke she hadn’t seen before.

Her mind is racing with incoherent thoughts. She feels drawn to him and she wants to lean in too.

His breath is on her lips now.

But he’s her boss so it would be inappropriate.

His nose touches hers.

She doesn’t want to be that intern. If he wasn’t her boss then she would gladly-

His lips softly brush hers and her thoughts come to a standstill and the only thing she knows that she likes this, it feels right. It feels good.

It’s also horribly wrong.

His hand is on her hip as he leans in to press his lips into a kiss that she can’t help but reciprocate.

“You’re drunk.” she says when they break apart. “I should go.”

She says it as softly as she can. She removes the hand that’s resting on her hip and gives it a quick squeeze before letting go, hoping that he can understand even through his inebriation.

Not like this. This is wrong. You’re drunk. You probably don’t even realise it’s me - your intern.

As much as she is attracted to him in a non-professional capacity, she has to leave. No man is worth jeopardising her career over - especially her boss of all people. She has to go. Even though his apartment is literally around the corner from Milk Grind where her class was due to start in 6 hours and counting. I have to get out of here. No excuses.

He sighs and flops backwards on the bed, his arm covering his eyes.

She puts his jacket in the laundry basket before she leaves without another word.

黑

Neji asks her how she got into bespoke suit tailoring.

“I remember you wanting to be a dancer.” he says, taking a sip out of his tea (English Breakfast, one sugar with milk). An odd choice for a Hyuga, considering their family business is based on the import and export of teas. However their speciality was Japanese teas. The choice of tea is undoubtedly an influence of his years abroad.

“Yeah but it was hard trying to find a position with any dance company. They told me that I wasn’t a good fit - quite literally. They said they’d reconsider if I lost weight and I tried but I didn’t like starving myself.” she says.

“You shouldn’t starve yourself. You look fine the way you are now.” Neji says, a hint of anger in his voice.

She’s taken aback by the sudden change in the tone of his voice and she’s more aware than ever that the dress she’s wearing leaves little to the imagination. She shudders at the thought that she may have come off more promiscuous than she intended and consequently having Neji dislike her.

“Are you cold?”

Before she can answer, Neji is shrugging off his jacket and standing up to walk over to her side of the booth to drape it over her shoulders.

“Thanks.” she says, smiling warmly. Time would not change Neji’s kindness and she begins to wonder what he had been up to since they stopped talking. It’s a question she hadn’t planned on asking, afraid of the answer.

“When did you come back Konoha?” she keeps the tone of her voice pleasant enough. She doesn’t want to come off as accusatory.

“I came back when I graduated.” he says, settling back into his side of the booth. “My mother wants me to help out with her chain of massage parlours.”

Tenten bursts out laughing.

“What’s so funny about that?”

“I know you didn’t mean it to make it sound like this but I’m imagining you giving massages to people.” she giggles.

The corner of Neji’s lips lift into a smile. “You’d be surprised to hear I’m actually pretty good. In all seriousness though, my mother is making a big push for me to manage her business more but Uncle Hiashi asked me to work for Hyuga Tea, so I’m working there for now.”

“For now? Are you planning on moving again?” she asks, a slight instinctual panic in her voice. The idea of him moving away again scares her. The idea of him moving back here for someone else scares her even more. She doesn’t dare ask him about that.

“No, I plan on staying Konoha long term. I’m working there just until Hanabi graduates and takes over.”

“Hanabi? Hinata’s sister?”

“Yeah. She didn’t want to be the next chair of Hyuga Tea so Hinata opened her tea house independently. To be honest, I think Hiashi is glad that Hinata wanted to give up her position for Hanabi. Hinata is too soft for large business. She’s doing well with her tea house, there’s no reason for her to give that up.”

Tenten nods. She remembers how the Hyuga sisters were polar opposites to each other. Hanabi was hot, unrelenting flame while Hinata was cool, calm water. Hanabi was sassy and unafraid of speaking her mind, even when it got her into trouble. Hinata was a mediator, concerned with the feelings of everyone. She’s glad to hear that Serenitea House is doing well.

“Shall we go? I think I’m good to drive now.” he says, leaving a crisp bill on the table.

“Oh yeah, sure. I’m getting a bit tired actually.” Tenten says, snapping out of her thoughts.

“You can sleep in the car if you want. I’m just parked over there.”

Neji’s car is a sleek black SUV. Being the gentleman he is, he opens the door for her and closes it for her once she’s in. The leather seats are luxuriously comfortable and it doesn’t take her long to fall into a light sleep, Neji’s jacket serving as a blanket.

Half an hour later she feels the car crawl to a stop and hears Neji pull up the handbrake, her face half buried in his jacket and she can smell his cologne - a clean citrus with deeper wood and subtle pepper notes. She knows she should wake up but she’s too comfortable here.

She waits for Neji to gently shake her awake but he doesn’t. Instead she feels his fingers lightly brush her cheek and tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She hears him sigh.

She stirs and sits up after a while when she realises he has no intention of waking her up.

“Sorry. You should have woken me up.” she chides him gently.

“I only just got here.” he says, smiling.

She folds up his jacket gently and reaches for the door handle before turning to him again. “Thanks for driving me home and lending me your jacket. I’ll let you know when Lee is free for dinner.”

“Sure thing.”

He doesn’t drive away until she’s well inside her apartment building and Tenten touches her cheek, feeling the warm trace of his fingers still.

#fs-ficlet #ssfanfiction #ssfic #ssfanfic #uchiha sasuke #sasusaku #haruno sakura #nejiten #hinata hyuga #neji hyuga #tenten #uzumaki naruto #whoops forgot to post this

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lorelylantana · 6 years ago

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Eagles Rising: Chapter 2 The Compass Comes

Avanye sounded like a battlefield.

War cries filled the air as I stepped onto the beginning of a cobblestone road lit with lanterns filled with green flames and bushes filled with glowing white flowers. The sun was setting, but the training grounds were still full with sparring adults in leather armor. For a moment I was captivated. I wanted to be the one spinning and slashing, blade in my hand. I felt a weight in my hand and looked down to a gleaming black sword.

My heart stopped for a moment, frightened of my own thirst for battle, but then I remembered Carrick’s words and calmly willed the blade to dissolve back into the air. I hurried away from the training field and hurried deeper into the town.

After spending the night at one of the host houses Carrick told me about I was given an allowance and a shopping list of things I needed. Apparently Ivaling didn’t get many newcomers so close to winter so the couple that hosted me were busy with work, leaving me to wander the streets by myself. I looked at the list again, trying to figure out where I could buy a travelling cloak when I heard a voice from above.

“Are you lost?”

This time I held back from throwing a knife but I still had trouble finding the voice’s owner. A raven ruffled its feathers before speaking again.

“I asked if you were lost. I could help you if you like.”

The family that hosted me had told me about the stronger connections between humans and animals in Ivaline, magic acting as a bond through which they could communicate but hearing about it didn’t really prepare me for the actual experience.

“Yes actually, I’m looking for traveling clothes and I think I took a wrong turn.”

I spent the rest of the day walking around town with a raven on my shoulder as she gave me directions. Every now and again I would ask her questions.

“So do all ravens speak to humans or do some keep away from our civilization. I was told we had a good relationships with a lot of different creatures but I haven’t really seen many,” I asked while picking out a bag to hold all of my supplies.

“It’s not that we all wander around and interact with humans in our normal life. It’s not that we can speak to all humans, just ones we’re compatible with or trust. In fact many animals go through life never having spoke to one. Some animals, like myself, seek out a human like you whose magic is appealing,” she explained.

“So what happens if you find that human? Besides giving them directions?” I questioned as I paid for a leather travel bag and blue fur trimmed cloak.

“Well we tend to stick to that human for as long as possible. Your magic sustains and enhances us. Wolves grow larger, cats run faster, and our youth is preserved as long as our humans live.”

“So does that mean you’ll follow me around?” I asked.

“If you’ll allow me.”

I considered for a moment. The raven seemed to know a lot about this world and it would be nice to have a friend on the road.

“I’d love to have you around. My name’s Allie Sage. What’s yours?”

“Kyrie.”

“Well Kyrie, where should we go next?”

“We should head Northwest from here,” Kyrie suggested from her place on my shoulder. I checked my bracer.

“Why? The compass is pointing us East.”

“It’s pointing you towards Ferran City. It’s half a day’s walk from here and we only have two hours of daylight. There’s an old fallen tree that you should be able to make a decent shelter out of a few minutes northwest,” she explained and flew for me to follow.

I had just finished pitching a makeshift tent where she directed me when it started raining. Kyrie and I waited for the storm to pass by telling each other stories about our lives. Kyrie was born in a Heart valley called Mother’s Refuge.

“It was named for the fact that the surrounding mountains shelter the valley from bad weather and that’s where the vast many of this world’s species migrate there to give birth. I still visit occasionally when I’m feeling nostalgic,” Kyrie explained as the rain formed a curtain in front of us. I listened to the sound of droplets hitting the puddles that had formed below them. I felt the corners of my mouth turn slightly upward.

“Whenever it rained back home, one of my favorite things to do was curl up in an armchair next to the window with a cup of tea and read. I could sit there for hours listening to the water run down the glass as I read. Sometimes I prepared an entire pot of tea just for myself,” I told her as she preened her feathers from her place resting on my knee. I sat with my back curled against the rough bark with one leg outstretched and the other bent where Kyrie had made herself comfortable. I absentmindedly formed a dagger and watched it float in midair. As we were traveling I found I could telekinetically move any of my creations with little more than intent. Now I watched the details of the dagger shift and move as I thought more about how I wanted it to look. I ended up with a silver dagger with a blue tint to it with the hilt engraved with roses and thorns. I made the metal dissipate as soon as I got bored with it and saw Kyrie watching me from her place on my knee.

“Kyrie can you tell me a bit more about the magic here? Does everyone in Spade have a power like mine?” I asked. She took a moment to consider before answering.

“It’s not really that simple. I personally haven’t seen someone who can create weapons with little to no effort like you can, but magic here doesn’t follow a standard. The most common perception is that magic is an extension of you and your will. The only case of magic that I could say is similar to you is Queen Rhiannon. Spade’s current Queen loves fashion and she can make clothes the same way you make swords. Magic is so intuitive it manifests itself in the way that best suits the user. Some people teleport, some shape shift and some breathe fire.”

As she finished I couldn’t help but feel an inkling of doubt tug at the back of my mind.

“Kyrie?”

“Yes?”

“Do you think people will be scared of me? It’s one thing to make clothes, but what about weapons. Should they be afraid of me?”

Kyrie was silent for a long time before answering.

“Yes and no,” She answered and I felt that doubt tug even harder.

“What do you mean?”

“No I don’t think people should be afraid of you per se. You gift is incredibly powerful but I don’t think you’re the type to misuse it. Only-”

“What?” I interrupted, afraid of what she would say next.

“They say that people are pulled into Ivaline for a reason,” she explained, “That everyone who comes from a different world is brought here because something about them is meant to change this world for the better. Maybe they’re meant to be a king, or maybe they're just destined to start a popular bakery. It doesn’t matter how big or how small, everyone brings prosperity one way or another. The soul of Ivaline sees something lacking and looks for it in other worlds.”

“So when I look at you, with an endless amount of weapons, I can’t help but wonder why you were brought here. You have the potential to do great things, but the fact that something thinks your skills might be needed here may be a sign of great darkness approaching.”

We found ourselves in the thriving city of Ferran at noon the next day. I walked the smooth marble street in between soaring towers of glittering stone engraved with running silver wolves gazing through topaz eyes and leaping over rushing lapis lazuli rivers studded with sapphires. High above my head the towers tapered into sharp peaks connected to one another on deceptively strong glass breezeways. Kyrie told me what she knew of the city as I looked around for a place to eat.

“Ferran was the first fortified city built during the War for Ivaline. It’s founder was General Ferrana, right hand to Commander Asbestos and the first human to discover the connection that could be forged between them and the wildlife. She gained the loyalty of an entire wolfpack and earned the title ‘Lupa of the North’. It was a marvel for its time and is contributed to be the birthplace of many of the architectural practices found throughout the country. During the war the city’s primary function was to stockpile supplies and distribute them where they were needed at the warfront. Ferrana’s wolves knew the terrain so her forces could take advantage of it in record time, giving the Spade forces an edge in battle. Today the city is a trading hub that deals with most of the imported goods from the other three countries, Heart, Club, and Diamond. Heart is our closest ally and their main export is fruit and spices. Club exports textiles and Diamond is quite famed for its wine.”

“What does Spade export?” I asked while waiting in line at an empanada stand.

“Gemstones and foodstuffs. Although it’s also worth noting that a common trade for a Spade citizen is security. There are quite a few guilds established that send bodyguards across borders to whomever’s paying.”

“So they’re mercenaries?” I clarified while I paid for my food with a few gold coins stamped with a dragon’s head.

“In a manner of speaking. Although they’re forbidden from hiring out to another country’s military. For the most part people hire Spades when they want to guard a particularly valuable shipment of goods or an event that expects to have a large turnout.”

I sat down on a bench and watched as horses and their riders made their way through the streets.

“I wonder if I could do something like that. Do you think I would make a good guard?” I mused to Kyrie while absentmindedly forming a sword. Then I felt my stomach drop like a stone and I shattered the blade. My future here seemed so much brighter. I was excited for it. But that meant leaving behind my family back home. How could I be daydreaming while my parents must be worried sick? My sword dissolved into glittering dust that disappeared as soon as it hit the ground.

What kind of daughter was I? Was I anything more than a runaway?

I stood up and started walking faster, wanting to cover as much ground as possible. The sooner I got to the Spade capital, the sooner I could find a way home.

“Allie? What’s wrong?” Kyrie asked, brushing her feathers along my cheek.

“I don’t know if I can stay in Spade Kyrie. Will I ever see my parents again? What if there’s no way home?” I rambled while choking back tears.

“I’m sure you’ll find your way home somehow. You probably shouldn’t panic too much over something beyond your control. You’re on your way to fix the problem but if you worry so much you may lose your way,” Kyrie advised as we made our way downtown.

“I guess.” I grumbled, not completely reassured but I saw sense in Kyrie’s advice. I looked to my bracer and followed it to an inn where I was allowed to stay for the night and issued a small stipend for supplies. I was also pointed in the direction of a public bath. Glad for a chance to clean up after a day of travel I headed over after nightfall. I left my bag in one of the lockers while Kyrie explained their security.

“The bracelet they gave you is enchanted so your the only one who can take something out of the corresponding locker so your bag should be safe,” she said from her place on the top of the lockers.

My bag proved not to be as secure as I would have liked. Nothing was taken but when I slung my pack overI found it to be noticeably heavier than when I came in with it. I set it down and looked inside only to find a wriggling gray fuzzball.

“Kyrie, there’s a wolf in my bag,” I deadpanned.

“So it seems,” she confirmed, preening her feathers.

“How does something like this even happen?” I wondered, completely taken aback.

“Well,” Kyrie mused, “The enchantment is only meant to keep intruders from taking something out. It’s entirely possible to put something in.”

“Okay but why?” I asked, taking the small pup out and stroking her behind the ears.

“She looks like runt. Her mother probably snuck out of Mother’s Refuge to bring her here. Runts have a hard time surviving in a pack so sometimes their parents try to sneak them into human households hoping that a human will take a liking to them and let them feed off their magic,” Kyrie explained, her voice soft, like she spoke from experience.

“Does that work?”

“Sometimes yes. Sometimes no,” she replied, and the tragic tone in her voice told me all I needed to know about what happened when it didn’t work. Just abandoning the pup wasn’t an option. I put my pack back on and walked out with a little wolf in my arms.

“We should name her,” suggested Kyrie after I settled into my room for the night. I was feeding the pup bits of my meat ration I had cut up with my knife by the fire.

“Any ideas?” I asked her, open to suggestions. I thought for a moment. What does one name a wolf? I thought of something my mother said long ago when we visited a national park and saw a wolf pack far off in the forest.

“Wolves are beautiful but dangerous creatures. They may look inviting from a distance, but if you get too close they will bite. Be careful Allie. Be wary of what dangers may lurk beneath appearances. It could be your undoing.”

I was younger then, and thought my mother was being melodramatic, but now that I had aged a bit, I saw there was truth to it. Sometimes there was poison beneath goodwill.

“Belladonna,” I said, remembering from history class that it was a poisonous plant women used in the Renaissance. It was more commonly known as deadly nightshade. I liked the idea of naming a wolf for a lethal beauty.

“Belladonna it is then.” Kyrie said, and I drifted off to sleep.

First

#The Spade Chronicles #writing #fiction #original content #novel #Eagles Rising #fantasy

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shanyakulasekara-mga2019mi6015 · 3 years ago

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The final rough shot

Again due to Corona I was unable to shoot the shots I wanted for the next shot, where I wanted the girl to go for a hug and the guy to turn into petals to be a crucial aspect of my animation as it was the consistent theme throughout my animation. Because of Corona I couldn't see my girlfriend to get the footage. But what I did have, were videos of us together and realized I could use one of those. There were more than 100 of the videos. What I wanted to focus on was a video where she hugs me. In order to get it close to my original idea, after some searching I found the perfect video. But the video did have some issues such as it being filmed vertically on an iPhone where part of her hand gets cut out and there is a lot of getting cut out in this video. Here is the video link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QTumqBMAXrxCnuRxr1T2_3vxwY0yitCZ/view?usp=sharing

I wanted to make this video work because the footage is absolutely perfect for my animation, so I added it to aftereffects and made it so that it was much bigger. Then it’s basically a close up of the two of us and I was able to get the shot to work. I did however timed the shot so that we kiss at the very moment the music ends giving silence to the moment where I fade of into petals to really bring the emotion out for the scene. I then added the usual grid and fully exported the animation into a new folder. Here is the link to the folder with all the frames I had to draw;

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wXvUjQSAMhOKc5KxVUCAILnA-HWDXBvJ?usp=sharing

The animating process for this was absolutely the most time consuming aspect to the whole animation. I really thought it was going to be the previous shot with the hands. When I realized most of that shot was hands however, this whole animation was two characters in the same scene. I also wanted to change the hair of the girl because when the footage was shot many months ago my girlfriend just woke up from a nap making her hair go all frizzy in order to give it better resemblance to the other shots, I gave her bangs and made the top of her hair flatter. This was also one of the challenging aspects to the animation that I really have a lot of trouble trying to keep consistent throughout the shot. However with a little bit of going back and forth, I was able to get the result that I wanted. The next most challenging part was the petals. How I changed from a human to petals. What I basically looked for was how my face and hair can be broken up and realized I need to give the hint of petals forming before completely turning into petals so, that’s what I did. The process was insanely hard and took me hours to figure out. With about 200% effort I was able to power through the character changing into flowers. I also made it feel like the idea of him is still there by making him white completely, while making it look like she is hugging nothing and something at the same time.

After getting multiple wrist and nerve issues I was able to get the result I wanted. Here is the folder link to all my attempts on getting the animation to work; https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-VZHGWh0QEwfKsPKylrp9QWThtY-nJJE?usp=sharing

And here is the link to the final rough animation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15mhWVLKKhWIwsdlY5wt-8PTrKh4f7rg8/view?usp=sharing

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dfroza · 4 years ago

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Heaven is a real place

as real as beautiful earth is.

and we get to experience it when we come to trust in the True illumination of the Son who gives us life in the eternal.

Paul continues in his Letter of 2nd Corinthians with Today’s chapter that begins with describing a heavenly experience:

[Paul’s Visions and Revelations]

Although it may not accomplish a thing, I need to move on and boast about supernatural visions and revelations of the Lord. Someone I’m acquainted with, who is in union with Christ, was swept away fourteen years ago in an ecstatic experience. He was taken into the third heaven, but I’m not sure if he was in his body or out of his body—only God knows. And I know that this man (again, I’m not sure if he was still in his body or taken out of his body—God knows) was caught up in an ecstatic experience and brought into paradise where he overheard many wondrous and inexpressible secrets that were so sacred that no mortal is permitted to repeat them. I’m ready to boast of such an experience, but for my own good I refuse to boast unless it concerns my weaknesses. However, if I were to boast, it wouldn’t be ridiculous at all, for I would be speaking the truth. Yet I will refrain, lest others think higher of me than what I demonstrate with my life and teaching.

The extraordinary level of the revelations I’ve received is no reason for anyone to exalt me. For this is why a thorn in my flesh was given to me, the Adversary’s messenger sent to harass me, keeping me from becoming arrogant. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to relieve me of this. But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.

I have become foolish to boast like this, but you have forced me to do it, when you should have boasted in me instead. For there is nothing I lack compared to these “super-apostles” of yours, even though I am nothing. The things that distinguish a true apostle were performed among you with great perseverance—supernatural signs, startling wonders, and awesome miracles.

Furthermore, how were you treated worse than the other churches, except that I didn’t burden you financially—forgive me for depriving you! And now here I am, ready to come to you for the third time, and I still refuse to be a burden to you. For what I really want is your hearts, not your money. After all, children should not have to accumulate resources for their parents, but parents do this for their children. And as a spiritual father to you, I will gladly spend all that I have and all that I am for you! If I love you more, will you respond by loving me less?

Be that as it may, I haven’t been a burden to you at all, yet you say of me, “He’s a scoundrel and a trickster!” But let me ask you this. Did I somehow cheat or trick you through any of the men I sent your way? I was the one who insisted that Titus and our brother come and help you. Did Titus take advantage of you? Didn’t we all come to you in the same spirit, following in the ways of integrity?

I hope that you don’t assume that all this time we have simply been justifying ourselves in your eyes? Beloved ones, we have been speaking to you in the sight of God as those joined to Christ, and everything we do is meant to build you up and make you stronger in your faith. Now I’m afraid that when I come to you I may find you different than I desire you to be, and you may find me different than you would like me to be. I don’t want to find you in disunity, with jealousy and angry outbursts, with selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and turmoil. I’m actually afraid that on my next visit my God will humble me in front of you as I shed tears over those who keep sinning without repenting of their impurity, sexual immorality, and perversion.

The Letter of 2nd Corinthians, Chapter 12 (The Passion Translation)

Today’s paired chapter of the Testaments is chapter 10 of First Kings where a queen visits Solomon in Jerusalem:

The queen of Sheba was fascinated when she heard about the famous Solomon and his devotion to the name of the Eternal One. She traveled a long way to meet him and to challenge him with her difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem accompanied by many advisors, assistants, and camels carrying spices and a lot of gold and rare jewels. When she met Solomon, she asked him about everything she could think of.

Solomon gave her an answer to every question. The king knew all the answers, and he explained all she asked. When the queen recognized Solomon’s wisdom and observed the palace he had envisioned and constructed, the food on his table, the orderly arrangement of his servants, the attentive service and fine dress of his waiters, his wine servers, and the beautiful stairway that led up to the Eternal’s temple, she was in complete awe.

Queen of Sheba (to the king): So it is true, everything I’ve heard about you in my land. Your words and wisdom are beyond extraordinary. I confess that when I first heard of your renown, I did not believe such a man could really be alive on the earth. But I have witnessed your greatness with my own eyes, and I believe. You are twice as wise and wealthy as is reported in faraway lands. Your people have been blessed as a result of living under your reign. Those who serve you continually are richly blessed to hear your wisdom day in and day out. Praise the Eternal One your God, who believed in you enough to give you Israel’s throne. He is devoted to Israel forever; that is why He has made such a great man as you king. He knows you will dispense righteousness and justice fairly and wisely.

The queen then presented Solomon with 9,000 pounds of gold and a large gift of spices and rare jewels. No other gift of spices given to the king ever compared to the gift the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon. King Solomon granted the queen of Sheba everything her heart desired (besides the usual royal gift). She then departed and returned to her own country with all those who were in her service.

Hiram’s ships—the ones that transported all the gold from Ophir—also transported a large amount of almug trees and rare jewels. The king transformed the almug trees into steps for the Eternal’s temple and the palace. He also made lyres and harps for the musicians. Almug trees like these had never before entered Israel, and they never have since.

Solomon received 25 tons of gold each year. This amount does not include the amount of gold received through taxation of explorers, traders, and merchants and revenue from the Arab kings and provincial governors. King Solomon crafted 200 large shields, each made from 7½ pounds of hammered gold. Then he crafted 300 shields made from 60 ounces of hammered gold. He kept them in the house of the forest of Lebanon. He also crafted an ivory throne and covered it with the purest gold. There were 6 steps leading up to the throne. The back of the throne was rounded, and a lion stood next to each armrest. There were 12 lions on the 6 steps: 6 lions on one side and 6 on the other. Nothing anywhere in the world compared to it. All of King Solomon’s cups were made out of gold, and all the cups in the house of the forest of Lebanon were made out of the purest gold as well. Nothing was crafted out of silver because silver was worthless during that time. Tarshish’s ships and Hiram’s ships were out at sea under the rule of Solomon. Tarshish’s ships brought gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks to Solomon once every 3 years.

King Solomon became mightier than any other king in the entire world. He was wealthy in material and in wisdom. People from around the world wanted to meet the famous Solomon. They desired to learn the wisdom God had planted in his heart. They brought gifts—silver, gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules. The gifts accumulated as the years passed.

Solomon summoned his chariots and cavalrymen. He commanded 1,400 chariots and 12,000 cavalrymen, and he sent them to the appointed cities (known as chariot cities) or to guard Jerusalem’s king. The king had made silver as common as stones are in Jerusalem, and he made cedars as common as sycamore trees are in the foothills. Solomon brought his horses from Egypt and Kue, and the king’s businessmen paid the people of Kue for the horses. One chariot was bought from Egypt for 15 pounds of silver, and one horse was bought for 60 ounces of silver. Some chariots and horses were then exported to the Hittite and Aramean kings along the route from Kue back to Israel.

The Book of 1st Kings, Chapter 10 (The Voice)

my personal reading of the Scriptures for monday, november 23 of 2020 with a paired chapter from each Testament of the Bible, along with Today’s Psalms and Proverbs

A post by John Parsons that looks into this week’s Torah reading by Jews worldwide:

Shavuah tov. We begin another week here at H4C. Our Torah portion for this week (i.e., parashat Vayetzei) includes Jacob's dream of a ladder (סֻלָּם) extending from earth to heaven, with the angels of God ascending and descending, and the LORD Himself standing above assuring Jacob of his safe return to the land he had fled. Jacob awoke and responded to the dream with awe: "Surely the LORD is in this place (בַּמָּקוֹם הַזֶּה), and I did not know it." And he was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." And he called the name of that place Bethel (בֵּית־אֵל) i.e., “the house of God.”

The sages interpret ha-makom (הַמָּקוֹם), literally “the place” that Jacob saw, as Mount Moriah, the exact location where Jacob’s father Isaac was bound as the “sacrificed seed” and which later became the site of the Holy Temple. Indeed the word makom comes from a verb (קוּם) meaning “to arise,” suggesting resurrection and ascension. In later Rabbinical thought Ha-Makom became synonymous with the Name or Presence of God Himself (“God is the place of the world, but the world is not God’s only place”).

Yeshua referred to Jacob's dream when he said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man" (John 1:51). Just as Jacob saw the ladder ascending to heaven with the angels of God ascending and descending upon it, so Yeshua told Nathanael that He was the Ladder to God, the sha'ar ha-shamayim (שַׁעַר הַשָּׁמָיִם) - the way into heaven (John 14:6). Indeed, Yeshua is the true Place or "house of God" and its Chief Cornerstone (Rosh Pinnah, Matt. 21:42). The LORD is the resurrection and life, the One who prepares a place for you (John 11:25; 14:2). [Hebrew for Christians]

https://hebrew4christians.com/

11.22.20 • Facebook

Today’s message from the Institute for Creation Research

November 23, 2020

Enough for Me

“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past.” (Romans 3:24-25)

Jesus has done all that is necessary to bring us into right standing with a holy God, if we but believe and accept His free gift of salvation. Jesus saves! It is enough! “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). The second verse of the hymn “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place” further explains this.

Enough for me that Jesus saves, This ends my fear and doubt;

A sinful soul I come to Him, He’ll never cast me out.

I need no other argument, I need no other plea,

It is enough that Jesus died, And that He died for me. Jesus, who loved us, said, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). There is no fear here, for “there is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18). Nor should there be any doubt in Him or His intentions, “in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him” (Ephesians 3:12). Furthermore, “being confident...that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

The chorus of the hymn likewise presents a thrilling truth. It paints a picture of a courtroom and the interrogation of a defendant. When asked why one should be forgiven, granted eternal life and entrance into heaven, the argument or legal defense can be given that Jesus has died, and that is enough. No other legal defense or answer need be given. The plea has already been entered, and the court’s findings are guaranteed, “justified freely by his grace.” JDM

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lilithspice · 7 years ago

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Inquisitors Notes: File 9475839 Name: Eveline 'Scarlette' Novianna

(Safe for work, Implied relationship, implied sexual relationship, Warhammer 40k, angst)

I came under the possession of young Scarlette on the planet on Scintala, a bustling hive world. Born to a noble family that dealt in exports and trading cargo, the Novianna family were well known by both the Inquisition and the Rogue Traders. From the details I have been able to pull Scarlette was the youngest of four children born into the family, and as fate would have it quite the rebellious child, often finding herself scolded by her middle bother, Naveen, for the trouble she caused. She expressed to me when we first met that she did not care much for her noble heritage for anymore more than the weight it may carry in the future. Regardless due to the nature of her meddling in her fathers business she found upon her sixteenth birthday she was faced with a suitor for her to marry. As one who has dealt with the headstrong young woman I can attest to her free will, and therefore her obvious disagreement to the situation she was faced with. This, as far as I can tell, was the breaking point for her father who instead came up with a different plan to get rid of his youngest daughter.

When a Rogue Trader vessel came into port on the planet a meeting was held between her father and the Captain, and young Scarlette was told she would be shipped off to work on the vessel as a way to bring honor to her family name (and possibly get rid of the troublesome child). From here when I prompted her to tell me more about her family life she seemed to hesitate, inquiring whether it was indeed necessary and expressing that she did not have many fond memories of her time on Scintala. I noted at this time she had a shard of glass that she turned over in her fingers and asked why she carried the odd item around. She then proceeded to tell me that the night she was told she would be leaving her home world she flew into a rage and smashed one of the stained-glass windows in her room, prompting Naveen to enter and attempt to calm her. As follows is a transcript of the conversation:

S: I was pretty frakkin angry at them all, honestly. I: Why? S: As much as I hated being highborn and having no real worth to my family, it was still my home at the time and I didn’t want to go. I: You said that you broke a window, if I recall? S: Yeah, in hindsight mother was probably pretty angry that I did that. My brother came in when he heard the noise and was worried I had hurt myself. I: You expressed a great companionship with your brother, is that correct? S: Yes, well...not really. It was that I just got along better with Naveen than the other two. Octavius was an ass-kisser, always the first one to run to father when he found out I had done something wrong, and Magnus was the eldest, so in hindsight he thought everyone was out to steal his inheritance. I: So you were closer to Naveen than the others, that’s fair. S: He was more lenient with me but he was so happy for me when he heard I was leaving. After he fixed my hand up he gave me a shard of the glass window to take with me. I: Why would he have done that? S: He told me it was so I could remember where I came from. So I never forgot to come back eventually...I’ve never seen any of my brothers cry before but Nav' cried on the day I left for the Rogue Trader ship. I: Did you ever return to visit? S: No.

Scarlett’s tone shifted greatly when our topic turned to that of the Rouge Trader vessel, she often laughed and told stories about her time on the ship and it would seem that she had much fonder memories than on her home world. She told me that while the Rogue Trader Captain was a little eclectic in his mannerisms, she warmed to him quickly. She expressed then that she didn’t actually serve on the main ship, but rather one of its sisters. There she told me the Captain was a friendly, fatherly type figure to his crew. Her expression often grew warm when talking of him, if a little forlorn. Perhaps a bitter-sweet nostalgia? Scarlette then proceeded to tell me that once she was on the ship the captain asked for her name and when she responded with her birth name, Evaline, was told that was not to be her name any more and was prompted to give a new one. Confused, she told me she had pulled at a strand of her hair, confused, and gazed at the fiery red lock for a moment before responding with the name Scarlette. It would make sense now to me why she prefers to use that name as opposed to her birth name. She has expressed on numerous occasions that she feels her true family was that of the crew of the Rogue Trader fleet, as in her eyes they treated her more as kin than her true family ever did. When prompted to tell me more about her time before being hired for the Inquisition she grew animated, often grinning wildly and gesturing about to make her point. She informed me that she put under a sort of general test and that the information that it had produced apparently dedicated that she would be a Seeker. For those reading this record who are unaware of what a seeker is they are required to uphold the law and rules of the ship and settle any disputes that may have arisen between members. They are also in charge of investigating any suspicious circumstances that may arise on said vessel if the situation were to arise. It is here again that I defer to the transcript to give a better understanding of Scarlette:

I: I take it you enjoyed your new position? S: Very much so! Lupus was an amazing mentor, I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher! I: I take it you are referring to Lieutenant Lupus Vilmar, the ships head seeker? S: Mhmm! He was the one who first showed me around the ship and introduced me to everyone. I'll admit at first I was a little scared of him, ya know, with the scars and tattoos and all that.

(Lieutenant Vilmar was indeed a heavily scarred and tattooed veteran seeker)

I: Did you enjoy your job? S: Not at first, I didn’t like having to boss people around and Lupus would tell me off when I did something wrong but it wasn’t like at home where I felt bad. I actually wanted to get better when he told me what I did wrong and how to fix it. I really hope he is doing well... I: Of course. Is there anyone else remarkable that sticks out in your mind from the ship?

(It was here that Scarlette seemed to become quite sullen and thoughtful, flicking the box of lho sticks around in her hand)

S: I had a best friend while I was on the ship. A real smart ass of a guy, his name was Gaius, he was a guard. I: An unusual choice for a friend. S: Maybe, but he was always kind to me. Kicked my ass when we sparred enough to make me not want to any more and he never really held my heritage against me like some of the others did. For lack of another term Gaius was your typical meat-head. You could talk to him all day about guns and work out regimes but the minute I tried to explain how and why I ended up on the ship he kind of just looked dazed and confused and told me to use smaller words. He was always good to me though, a really good friend. I: You seem dis-hearted by this? S: Not by Gaius' manner, no. I'd grown quite accustomed to spending my free time with the lug of a man to...appreciate what he could do, smart mouth and teasing aside. He always did his job above and beyond. I'm just...remembering how we parted and I don’t want to.

(It would seem Scarlette was possibly holding back on some of the more private notions of her relationship, not wishing to disclose them for whatever reason.)

S: I found out there was a parasitic brain worm infesting the ship. I took it upon myself to investigate and see if it could be stopped and who was possibly infected. I: I bold intuitive move. Didn't you tell your commanding officer? S: I didn’t know if he had been infected, and I had no idea if this thing had some kind of hive mind – that could have possibly blown my investigation away immediately. Ironic as it was but I discovered that one of the key signs of being infected was a drastic change in attitude and sadly that was what Gaius was displaying. I: Perhaps he was having a bad day. S: Perhaps, Inquisitor, but I couldn’t take that risk. I: Then what did you do to resolve the problem? S:...I shot him while he slept, sir. I: In his bunk? With everyone else liable to walk in? S: Uh...no sir. In my room, my bed. I had a private room as an officer... I: … S: Please don’t ask, Inquisitor.

(I conceded the point, my suspicions proving true at this juncture and didn’t feel the need to press any further on the matter.)

I: Then please, do continue, Scarlette. S: I went to to captain after that to report my findings and report on Gaius' death, only to find him in a similar state...so I shot him too. I: You shot the captain of your own ship? S: Dead.

(It was at this point she grew noticeably upset and toyed with both her hat that he had placed in her lap and the lho box she held.)

I: Your fiddling. S: I'm sorry Inquisitor. These are the only things I have left to remember them by. I: A hat and a lho box? S: Mhmm... I confiscated Gaius' lho box before the rest of his possessions were incinerated and was given the captains hat as an old superstition. I: Explain. S: We had stopped the fleet in order to further the investigation and we found out that once the queen worm was killed, the others simply died off with no repercussions. When the Rogue Trader captain heard about how I had killed the captain of my ship he told me it was an old Rogue Trader superstition that the person who had killed the captain had to take their hat. It seemed rude of me to refuse at that point, and he was such a good man... I: But if the brain worms queen was killed when you shot the captain down dead then there was no need to kill your guard friend. S: That’s true, but that fact was not discovered until later, I had to take the precaution since I had no idea how the parasite spread or why. I regret the fact that I had to kill him but I know it was necessary for the well-being of all those on the ship. I had to make my priorities clear. I: I applaud your tenacity and dedication to your job, Scarlette, you did very well. S: I don't want to be thanked for killing my own men, sir.

It was at this point the young redhead seemed to exude some sort of authority, obviously I was not effected but I could easily see how others could be. An understanding silence fell between me and the acolyte I was interviewing, as we both collected our thoughts. Of course I already knew about the brain worms; the Rogue Trader captain used that as one of the prime examples of why she would make such a good acolyte. I must admit he was right in this case, she seemed exactly like what I could have asked for in a subordinate.

[End of transcript]

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the-vaporverse · 8 years ago

Text

Starless Horizon RP File #26

(Vela’s part in italics.)

Of course, Vela was already awake by the time Dritz woke the next day. When his eyes focused, she was already climbing back into bed with him, apparently having fetched the datapad.

He stretched out with a lazy smile, reaching up to stroke her cheek. "Morning. You sleep okay?"

It still was an odd thing for him to think of her as only sleeping a few hours, and then going about her morning with him completely fast asleep, but there was something comforting about it at the same time.

"We'll grab some breakfast and head right over to the ol' homestead, if that sounds good to you?" he said, sitting up and idly fiddling with his messy hair.

Early that morning, Vela had awoken with a mind which remained full of curiosity. She had gotten the datapad from where it rested on the table (she really felt she ought to start bringing it to bed with them to save the trouble of extracting herself from whatever form of snuggle she had been in with Dritz), and was eagerly looking through as much further information as she could about Chrysala. He could tell her a lot of things, but she didn't expect him to give her history lessons, explain the weather patterns or teach her about which exports and imports were vital to the economy, for example.

When Dritz finally spoke to her, touching her cheek gently, the Aurian smiled back at him and tried to help smooth his mussed hair. [I slept very well, thank you. I think you did, too.] Her smile was teasing then. Dritz seemed to snore louder after they had spent an intimate evening together, which she had remarked on before. It made her think he was extra tired after what tended to be an intense period of activity.

She quickly agreed to his ideas, and they both dressed and made themselves presentable before paying for their room and finding a small but pleasant place to eat. Vela had chosen a vegetable dish which was oddly sweet, but incredibly delicious once she got used to it. Almost before she knew it, however, she was thinking of more questions to ask.

[What exactly is... the sort of place where your family lives? I don't have a sign for it.] Her studies of Chrysala the night before had not yet reached that subject: what Dritz had referred to as a "homestead."

If Vela remained nervous, she did not show it, her bright curiousity seeming to be in full force that morning. Dritz was beyond happy about this, feeling more confident in his ability to tell her about Chrysala than his ability to put her nerves to rest.

"Ah, it's kind of... Usually you'll find a lot of Chrysalans live very closely. It'll be a bit more clear when we get there, but basically there are very large buildings that accommodate lots of families at once. Each one has their privacy, of course, but you wouldn't think twice about eating dinner with another family, or offering food to them, or looking after their kids. Traditionally, that tended to be how partnerships formed, but as our culture takes on more ideas from other planets, more tend to seek out specific traits in their partners, like..." Dritz wave his hands as he tried to think how to explain his meaning, "Okay, it was never simple convenience before, there was still affection, but these days it seems deeper. Bonds are stronger because they're built on more common ground than simple proximity. Am I making sense, or just rambling?" He laughed, shaking his head.

Vela listened carefully to Dritz's explanation, nodding at the end. It did make sense, but it was difficult to imagine living in the way he described. Aurians lived close together, but not in any sort of family unit at all.

[Yes. Our experiences in life are very different, so I'm eager to see what it's like there.] Something about saying this made her a bit anxious again, and she focused on finishing her food before they left and began walking through the streets again.

[Is it far?] she signed absently, glancing at the buildings around her and wondering if it looked similar to any of them.

"Depends on if we want to walk or not," Dritz said with a laugh. Between them, they decided the walk was pleasant, and Dritz led them through streets that grew gradually wider, the buildings growing taller and more closely compact.

They came to one eventually that had frontage that had seemingly been made from hammered out copper that caught the light in splashes of green, pink and shimming orange. There were different materials jotted about where repairs had been needed, and a strip light that lay above the main door.

Dritz lead them inside and down a corridor. As they turned a corner, a short cry could be heard and small, swift footsteps. As quickly as it had started, the running stopped and a small Chrysalan crashed into Dritz's legs, causing him to grunt and double over. The tiny body was chirping and buzzing excitedly, and when they looked up, it was a bright eyed girl with her hair pulled into an elaborate plait that had become very messy to reveal short, active antennae. She was grinning up at Dritz, who raised both eyebrows and held up a finger with a few short clicks and buzzes. With that, the little girl looked over at Vela, her twinkling eyes wide and curious.

"Dritz says I have to speak Basic because you don't speak Chrysalan," she said softly, slowly extracting herself from Dritz. She looked Vela up and down and turned back to Dritz, "They are really pretty." Turning back to Vela once more, she repeated herself, "You're pretty. Even if you can't speak Chrysalan. And your eye is cool. I'm Tvie... We should be friends." She smiled hopefully, idly slipping her hand into Dritz's. Behind her, the older Chrysalan was looking apologetically at Vela.

The home Dritz brought them to fascinated Vela, who stared at everything in a sort of wonder, trying to imagine him having lived there for so many years previously. It looked comfortable and inviting, setting her further at ease. The sudden appearance of a small Chrysalan, darting toward them and straight into Dritz, caught her slightly off guard even though she recovered quickly, realizing it was Tvie before she even introduced herself.

She listened to Tvie's explanation before giving her a gentle smile, lowering herself down to one knee so the girl could see her signing fully and understand it was her form of speaking. [That's right, though I wish I could speak Chrysalan. I can't speak Basic aloud either, but I can understand it, at least. Thank you. I think you're pretty, too. And I do want to be friends. My name is Vela, and I'm from a planet called Aurctas. I came here with Dritz to meet you and your family.] She looked to Dritz to translate, though her gaze kept returning to Tvie in hopes that she would remain interested.

Tvie's eyes widened as she watched Vela sign, and she looked up at Dritz as he translated.

"Why can't you speak?" she asked sadly, reaching a hand up and touching Vela's neck, "Are you sick?"

Behind her, Dritz out both hands on her shoulders and bent over to lean right above her, beaming, "Vela can speak a little, she's not sick, but it's like learning any language; it takes time. Speaking aloud makes her very weak right now, so we won't ask her to do so, will we?"

"Nuh uh," Tvie said firmly. She took Vela's hand and tugged, seeming more "But you have to come meet mum and dad, if you're Dritz's friend! Come on! And you have to teach me how to talk with hands!"

Vela could feel her heart warming further as Tvie seemed so concerned about why she couldn't speak aloud, touching her throat as if to feel a reason there. Of course, Dritz explained, and she nodded her agreement with what he had said. She marveled at the way the young Chrysalan accepted this explanation, and indeed seemed to accept Vela herself, with an open mind and no prejudice at all. She was aware that Tvie was young, which might account for her reaction, but had hope that the others she met would all be the same.

Tvie was now gently pulling at Vela's hand and asking her to come see her parents and teach her signing, which gave the Aurian an idea. [I do want to meet them, but first I have a question,] she gestured once the girl could see she wanted to speak and let her hand go. [You have a beautiful name, but my language has no sign for it. We had to choose a name sign for Dritz as well.]

She paused for a moment as Dritz translated, as well as showing the sign he had decided on, which was a hand brought from the throat down to the chest. [How would you like your name to be signed, so that I can use it when I speak to you?] she asked Tvie.

The young Chrysalan seemed completely enraptured by this idea, her eyes wide as her smile. "You mean you choose your own name with your hands?" she asked, looking at both of them again.

"Cuz our names don't exist in Aurian, kiddo, like Vela says. See how I chose this, because that's where the sound comes from?" he repeated the gesture. Tvie frowned, apparently deep in thought.

"Can it be pretty? Vela, Vela, show me your name!" she demanded, watching it carefully. She repeated it awkwardly, getting it quite incorrect, but apparently understanding the gestures a bit better.

"I know," she said eventually. She held out one finger to show them, and pointed to the opposite cheek on her own face, bringing it in a 'v' shape to the centre of her lower lip, then straight down to her chin. "Tviiieee. Is that okay?"

Vela smiled and nodded, repeating the gesture Tvie had made for her name. It was quite unusual to sign across the face, but she thought the uniqueness was suitable for someone like the small Chrysalan.

[That's a good sign, Tvie. I'll remember to use it when I speak to you. You'll be able to learn some of my other words if we practice for a little while.] It seemed she would be eager to learn, and Vela had no reservations about teaching her as time allowed. Someday it might even turn out to be useful.

[Are your parents busy right now?] she continued absently, trying to peer further down the corridor. [I wouldn't want to disturb them if they had any plans this morning.]

When Dritz translated that Tvie's name was a good sign, the little girl's face lit up, and she looked incredibly proud, and somewhat in awe.

With the younger one dragging Vela mercilessly, Dritz opted to answer her questions for her, "Ah, I don't think they're that busy today, since they had a rough idea of when we were coming. Chances are their plans will be to chat at us nonstop until we have to fight to leave!" He chuckled, but the tone of it suggested it was not quite the joke he made it out to be.

Tvie led them into an open room with a circular couch sunken into the floor, plush and worn, with a table in the centre and a small step down to the right level. There were some very old machinery parts on the table, and a rag discarded next to a small pile of tools.

"Dritz is here! Come and meet his friend. They're really nice and we're best friends already," Tvie called, letting Vela go and scurrying off to another room, returning shortly after with an adult.

The Chrysalan was a male with very short, wiry hair, a round face with a fixed grin, and a substantial figure. His bulkier frame, and general facial features made him believably Dritz's father, but when he flung his arms out, enveloping Dritz in a huge hug, his delighted chuckle removed any doubt.

"It's good to see you, kiddo," he boomed, giving him a light and playful slap on the arm. "Been a good old while, huh?"

"Yeah, pretty damn long! But I'm here now," Dritz beamed. He put a gentle hand at the small of Vela's back and turned between the two of them, "I brought my partner. This is Vela, and this is my dad, Vizn."

Vela glanced around in curiosity as she was brought into the next room, but her attention was all on Dritz's father when Tvie reappeared with him.

At first she was somewhat taken aback by how loud his voice seemed, but soon she was staring in wonder, maybe a bit more than she would have considered polite any other time. He was... well, he was larger than Dritz, that much was for certain. For some reason Vela had never considered such a thing possible. She was almost envious of the hug he received from the older Chrysalan, feeling sure it must be very warm and comfortable. Otherwise, he had such a pleasant and friendly demeanor that she relaxed until being introduced as Dritz's partner.

Before Vizn could react to this information, she stepped up to him and held out her hands in the greeting she had learned, bowing her head. "I am pleased... to meet you." This had come out very well despite her nerves, but now she was holding her breath and starting to feel a little dizzy. What was he going to think of her?

Vizn's expression seemed to change so rapidly it might have looked almost comical from the outsider perspective. He'd gone from surprise bordering on concern to shock, and then even more surprise.

None more surprised than Tvie, apparently, as the little Chrysalan pointed accusingly at Dritz, shouting, "You liar, you said Vela couldn't speak!"

There was a moment of clamouring chaos where Dritz tried to calm Tvie while keeping one eye on his father and the other on Vela, Vizn tried to confront Dritz while trying to acknowledge Vela's gesture, and the poor Aurian was literally stuck in the middle.

"Tvie," Vizn boomed, clapping a hand on her shoulder, "Go and play, love, Dritz will be here a while, but we need to talk. Alright?"

The girl nodded, evidently eager to get away suddenly.

Vizn took Vela's hands and bowed too. "It's a pleasure," he said softly. "Vela. A nice name."

"I know what you're thinking, dad, and it's-"

"Partner, you say? Do you know that none of my family has ever partnered with an alien, hm?" he said conversationally, addressing both of them.

"Yeah, 'course. But that doesn't mean I shouldn't either! Vela and I have a stronger bond than I ever thought possible with a partner," Dritz said softly.

Vizn looked at them both seriously for a long, painful moment. His size seemed to be useful in intimidating as well as endearing. "I see. Well, I think it's probably time I made drinks. I was going to make a pot of tea if you're interested.”

In the action which ensued after her greeting, Vela went from dizzy to lightheaded to suddenly weak, slumping a little toward Dritz, who naturally tried to support her. The words had taken much from her, but to hear the rest of what was said...

She shook her head vaguely at Tvie, wanting to remind her what happened when she talked and to say it hadn't been a lie, but the little girl was being told to leave for now. The look Vizn was giving them made her shrink back slightly to the extent her current energy allowed. Of course this wasn't going to be easy. There had been no possible way it could be.

[Dritz is right,] she signed when she felt able, turning toward him so he could see. [Our bond is strong. My people's bodies adapt to our partners, and if he had not been the one for me, it would not have done so. I know that doesn't help now, but it's true.] She paused a moment, wondering if she had gone too far. [I'm sorry for any inconvenience. Your tea is wonderful and I would like to have some, but only if you are comfortable with me staying.] It felt too difficult to look directly at Vizn now, when she had wanted to stare before. What if he didn't like her at all?

Dritz translated with a warm smile that did not quite mask the frustration and concern in his eyes.

"We cannot produce children together, but we care deeply for one another, love each other. How is this," he said to Vizn, gesturing to himself and Vela, "Any different from you taking a male partner? You can't reproduce, it's about companionship, love, pleasure."

This had, evidently, been the wrong thing to say, as Vizn's expression darkened.

"A male Chrysalan is not an alien," he said firmly.

"Don't yell at them," came a tiny voice from the doorway. Tvie was peeking around, barely visible. "Why are you mad... I don't get it? Vela is nice, and pretty, and they make Dritz happy. That makes me happy, because I love Dritz lots. Why aren't you happy, daddy?"

The room stayed silent for a long moment, and Dritz beamed at his young sibling. Vizn seemed to consider this for what felt like a physically painful amount of time before sighing deeply.

"Forgive me," he said. His antennae had started to drift from their arched position back to a more relaxed one. "Perhaps we may have gotten off on the wrong foot." He took Vela's hands and did the gesture she had, but in reverse. "You have chosen my son, I owe it to you both to be more open to the idea. Hopefully you can forgive my outburst."

At the doorway, Tvie was smiling to herself.

For quite some time, Vela felt as though she had been squeezing her hands together in worry. Yet when all had been said and done and Vizn was seeming to relent a little, she relaxed enough to allow him to take her hands in the gesture she had done before. What Dritz had said made sense to her, and it bothered her that it was her very alienness itself that might make her an unworthy partner to him in the eyes of some.

At the same time, she couldn't blame Vizn. Her own people would not know what to think of her and Dritz, and there had never been a pairing between one of them and anyone from off world. She hadn't expected to be such a "pioneer" in so many areas of her life, either.

Tvie's help also made her smile warmly at the little girl, pleased that she could understand. [Thank you for your hospitality,] she signed to Vizn, bowing her head again. [Your willingness to give me a chance. I forgive you, but I understand. My people, the Aurians, may not know what to make of my pairing either. But I am willing to risk the displeasure of anyone at all if it means I can remain by Dritz's side. You will see that we do so much for each other, and in fact we love each other.]

Her strength was coming back to her, but her legs remained just the slightest bit wobbly. [I'm sorry, I would like to sit down for now. Speaking aloud is a difficulty for me, though I am practicing.]

This time, Vizn focused on Vela while Dritz translated (with warmth that bordered on the emotional). The larger Chrysalan smiled and nodded.

"Well... that's lovely to hear. I hope your people are understanding. Now," he said, "Do have a seat, I wouldn't have the slightest clue what to do if you were to faint. I'll get you a drink." His manner was still slightly awkward as he processed the information, but with his shock fading, there was more of what was very recognisably Dritz's humour coming into his voice.

Once he left, Dritz flopped next to Vela and enveloped her in a huge hug, kissing the top of her head. "You okay, flower?"

From the doorway, Tvie was still watching, only her hand on the doorframe and the top of her face visible as she watched them.

"Tvie, what are you doing..." came an amused voice from further in the house. A Chrysalan woman appeared, having scooped up Tvie, and quickly turned around again, "Oh, sorry, do you want me to leave you?" Despite what was a visibly slim and toned frame, she was petite and almost goofy with her manner, averting her eyes in every direction with a little smile.

"No, ma, it's fine. This is Vela. And this is my mum, Nisk. I'm sure you heard everything else..." Dritz said, sheepishly, still holding Vela gently.

Vela sank down onto the couch gratefully, watching Vizn leave before Dritz joined her. A drink would be just what she needed at this point, to relax and hopefully re-energize herself.

[I'm alright,] she signed after Dritz had held her a little while. [Just tired.]

She was content to stay there, not noticing they were being watched, and a voice from further down the hall made her move again slightly in time to see a petite Chrysalan woman entering the room with Tvie in her arms. Vela was curious about her behavior, but as she was introduced to Dritz's mother, she tried to sit up again.

[I am pleased to meet you. My apologies, I wanted to greet you aloud and with the traditional gestures, but I underestimated how much energy it would take to do twice in a row.] She paused a moment before simply deciding to be honest. [I hope you can understand that what's between Dritz and myself is real and it's both what we truly want. I'm glad to be here in your home, it's lovely.] The flow of her statements seemed awkward, but she was not exactly sure what to say when she knew so little about Nisk and how she felt about Vela being her son's partner.

Nisk blinked and glanced at Dritz with a small smile, waiting for him to translate.

"Oh, darling, don't worry. I mean... I dunno how most alien physiology works, but if you don't normally speak aloud, I can understand. I get exhausted from speaking and I do it all the time!" she laughed; an undignified, snorting, but completely contagious giggle. Adjusting Tvie in her arms, she nodded, "I trust Dritz's judgement. He's never really been one for partnering before, so for him to do so, you must be special."

Tvie nodded firmly, her hair bouncing as she did so. "Make daddy understand too," she said, in what was a childlike whisper (so, essentially louder than a normal sentence.)

[Really?] Vela signed without thinking. [Why do you say that?] Suddenly it was a little embarrassing to realize she was asking a question about Dritz which he could either answer himself or translate for his mother to answer. But she did want to know why he hadn't seemed to show much interest in partnering, and if she was really special in some way.

Nisk seemed different from Vizn in ways Vela hadn't expected either, beyond her size in comparison. While she hadn't known the reaction from either in advance, she found it was a pleasant surprise that one would be so accepting, while the other seemed open to the idea given some time. [Thank you for your understanding. I will be fine soon. I hope we aren't imposing on any plans you might have had today.] She eyed both Nisk and Tvie curiously, wishing she could speak more aloud already, which would be so much more convenient. She would have to redouble her efforts to practice.

Dritz snorted as he went to translate, holding back giggles. "Go on, ma, I wanna hear what you think is the reason."

Nisk looked pleadingly at Dritz before giving him a mocking glare and shaking her head, "Oh heck... Well, I don't know why he hasn't really had a partner yet. He's always been more focused on work, and ships."

"No one here really caught my eye the same way you did. I've had..." Dritz glanced at his mother, evidently less forthright with his language around her, "Experiences with others, and it was fun, but absolutely nothing compared to you. You're fascinating, and strong, and unique."

Tvie wriggled out of Nisk's arms and wandered over to Vela, sitting on the arm of the chair next to her.

"Nooo, not at all, we were looking forward to seeing you, both of you!" Nisk said brightly once she had been informed of the translation.

Soon, Vizn returned with a tray of tea in shallow, wide cups. "Here we go. You feeling any better?" he said, handing one to Vela. His manner was still awkward, but now it seemed almost sheepish.

With a little smile, Vela listened to Dritz explain why he hadn't yet taken a partner, amused at first by his interaction with his mother, then in sentimental appreciation of his kind words to her.

[There are many wonderful Chrysalans on this planet. I know you haven't met them all, but to think you would choose me over anyone you had met previously...] Her hands slowly moved onto her lap in what would be the Aurian equivalent of trailing off into silence. All she could do was gaze lovingly into Dritz's eyes until she was distracted by Tvie sitting near her.

She gave the girl a smile as well, reassured that no one had other plans to attend to, and looked at Vizn cautiously when he returned. He did seem more calm, and maybe a little embarrassed by his previous behavior.

[Yes, thank you. The tea will help even more.] She accepted the cup and sipped carefully as Vizn distributed the rest, waiting until everyone had been able to drink before carefully setting hers on the table in front of her to sign further. [Dritz introduced me to your wonderful tea not long after I met him. I find it soothing, even more than other warm drinks I've had. They mean more to me than some would think.]

She was feeling remarkably relaxed now, surprising considering how nervous she had felt before. [If I can answer any questions you might have, I will try my best to set your minds at ease about anything you want to know.]

With a translation, Vizn seemed impressed. "You like it? Marvellous, I don't trust folk who don't!" he said with a bright laugh, slowly relaxing into the company.

"I have never heard anything of Aurians," Nisk said, leaning forward and adding a small pink capsule to her tea that melted into the water, tinging it further. "Are... Well, forgive me if this is a rude question... Are you a new species, mixed with-" she cocked her head, "human?"

Tvie jiggled her knee eagerly, though she waited quite politely until she was able to ask, "How did you lose your eye? Does your metal one do cool stuff?"

Vela nodded, pleased to see that Vizn was seeming much more at ease. Nisk's question was one she was expecting, but she found herself a little distracted by wishing she could ask what the Chrysalan woman had put in her drink.

[It's understandable. Aurians are not well known in the galaxy. Our species actually arose long ago, but I do expect human involvement at some point shaped us more into what we are today.] Her smile then became a little amused as she thought they may at least have that much in common. [Our records are damaged, but my research showed we were a society based in and near the ocean. We had to leave our original planet over a thousand years ago to find a new home, and the result has been... less than ideal.] She exchanged a glance with Dritz, wondering if he would tell them more or if they should wait for another time.

Tvie's question was answered a little more easily. [I know this sounds strange, but I voluntarily gave up my eye to experiment with this prosthetic. It allows me to see great distances, but it's not quite telescopic. I may have some modifications done at some point to see if it can be improved.] It was a matter she had been debating but hadn't yet brought up with Dritz, and she wondered what he would think of that too.

Dritz translated it all somewhat sadly. "That's actually one of the things that brought us here, but that's a discussion for another time," he explained.

Tvie seemed fascinated by Vela's augmentation, peering at it with a tiny smile. "Did it hurt?" she asked in awe once Dritz had explained, sounding quite surprised at the idea of modifications.

"More importantly, will further tampering hurt?" her lover asked, a slight sternness to his voice which mingled with his obvious concern. "Maybe... Maybe I could be the one to do it, huh?"

[It hurt for a little while, yes,] Vela admitted to Tvie, with a wary glance at Dritz. [A friend performed the procedure, but we didn't have the best technology for it. There are times I get dizzy and faint with rapid or sudden motion, but maybe modifying it further could help with that too.]

She turned to Dritz then in order to address his concern. [I'm not sure. I think it could help more than hurt. As I said, it could be better stabilized to take away some of the motion problems. I know I don't really need it to be telescopic, but... I think it would be fun.] Pausing, she gave Dritz an apologetic smile. [I suppose you could do it, yes... but would that be something you'd be comfortable with?] She remembered his general squeamishness, though since the operation shouldn't involve any living tissue this time around, he might actually be alright with it.

Before she could forget, her curiosity prompted her to look over at Nisk. [What did you put in your drink?] she signed for Dritz to translate, her eagerness to know unable to be held back any longer.

"Whhhoooaaaa!" Tvie whispered, "You let a friend do that?"

"Hey, you, don't go getting any ideas," Vizn said with a laugh. Tvie pouted, but did not seem upset by the notion, just continuing to be fascinated by Vela's eye.

Meanwhile, Dritz was frowning sternly. The thought of the initial procedure did make him feel a bit odd, but the actual mechanical eye was interesting, and if it meant she would experience less dizziness, all the better. "If anyone is laying a hand on you for something so delicate, I'd rather it was me," he said, squeezing her knee. "I'll do extensive studying first though. I'm not even considering doing anything to it without as much knowledge as possible."

Nisk's antennae flicked and she smiled sheepishly, "Ah, it was a sweetener... Would you like one? These are rose flavour."

"She'd put the damn things in everything if she could," Vizn sighed, putting an arm around his partner and kissing her temple, "Not like you even need any sweetening!"

Tvie's response was rather amusing, but Vela had to make clear that her friend had been an adult who had specifically studied modifications to the fullest extent available to them beforehand.

She then considered telling Dritz they could find someone else who would be entirely capable of working on her eye, yet something about his stern expression told her that he wouldn't hear of it. Besides, she trusted him to do the research and could help him, and it would mean more to her if he was the one to modify it. It seemed to mean a lot to him, so she nodded her agreement.

When Nisk offered what she had called a sweetener, Vela was eager to accept one of the capsules. It was true that she didn't care for a lot of sweetness, but the novelty was one she wanted to try at least once. She took another sip of her newly pink-tinged tea and declared it was delicious without exaggeration. She had to wonder what different flavors there might be. Other worlds certainly had a lot of variety.

[What is it that you both do?] she signed respectfully to Dritz in order for him to translate to Vizn and Nisk. She felt sure he had told her previously, at least in a vague form, but it could be that her nerves had made her temporarily forget.

The young Chrysalan pouted a little, but it seemed to be her general 'listening to grown-ups' face, as there was no hurt, frustration, or otherwise behind her eyes.

Vizn smiled proudly, and proceeded to talk at length about his work, which he was evidently very pleased with. Like Dritz, he was keenly interested in ships, but he dealt more with the design and testing stages, working out the kinks and quirks and flaws with his team before the parts went for fabrication. It was clear he had many a story about various design flaws, as nearly fifteen minutes had passed before he seemed to be letting Nisk speak.

"Are you quite finished, love?" she sighed, patting his midsection affectionately. "He is such a workaholic. But then, historically, Chrysalans tend to be. I own a little repair service. It's not much, but it was a job I could make money from, and aside from the health of those I care about,, that's more than I could ever wish for." She smiled warmly, "What about you, Vela? What was your job, or your role or position in your community?"

Vela listened attentively to Vizn speaking about his work, nodding every now and then to show she understood. He did go on quite a while, but she was certainly finding it interesting. [That's wonderful,] she managed to sign eventually. [It's very admirable to be that passionate about what you do.]

She turned her attention brightly to Nisk as she spoke, smiling at her reasoning. [And that's understandable. I'm glad you enjoy it so much.] Her smile did falter, however, when asked about her own life on Aurctas.

[I had nothing truly special or unique. Aurians have to fend for themselves, because the only way we survived was by trading for food and supplies. The planet could not provide for us otherwise.] Though she tried not to look sad, it was impossible to mask all of her disappointment. [So we are all miners and traders there; there is no other way. Which is part of the reason why I had to leave to find a better way for us.]

She couldn't just leave it at that. [I never meant to get Dritz caught up in this with me,] she signed, glancing down. [I didn't mean to... to fall in love with him. I just hope you will both understand. He wants to help me better my people and I can't talk him out of that.] The question that had been asked of her felt as though there could be no other response. She didn't want to hide anything from Vizn and Nisk.

Dritz watched his father's eyes as he translated what Vela had said. Vizn was reconsidering her, and Dritz knew it. He knew she would be liked.

His heart fluttered when he had to repeat what Vela had said, but he did so word for word, as he always did and always would do, though he did falter as he said the word 'love', which was still such a wonderfully dizzying thing to feel.

"I wanted to help. I would have helped even if nothing more than friendship had developed between us. Before I fell in love, I already loved you, you could have asked anything from me," he muttered. It was weird to say these things in front of his parents, but if anything, he imagined it might make a difference to how his father viewed the relationship.

Dividing her attention between Dritz and his parents, Vela noted the sentimental way he translated and how their expressions all changed slightly. Vizn in particular was watching her closely, but he didn't seem so intense as before. Maybe he approved of her more now? She was only hoping for the moment.

[I see. It's good to know that. Regardless of anything else, I'm glad we did fall in love.] This had been for her lover alone, and she could tell he knew that since he didn't translate. They gazed at each other in passionate emotion for a little while until they were both distracted by Tvie bouncing up to get their attention.

Growing bored with so much talk, Tvie had hopped up to sit on Vela's lap, via clambering all over Dritz. Because clambering right onto Vela directly would be rude. And anyway, her parents had not said anything for a little while.

"Are you gunna be joined? Like... M-... Marriaged? I heard that's what humans do, and you get to have a party and a pretty dress? Do Aurie-yans do that? Can I please touch your hair? Is Dritz your primary?" she babbled, not waiting for a response before reaching up and stroking a strand of Vela's hair in awe, muttering "pretty" under her breath.

They made more small talk for a while, his parents catching Dritz up on the current affairs of their district, when the door opened and another Chrysalan slipped in, looking confused and surprised when he spotted Dritz. He was very slender and had a symmetrical face, along with the long, willowy limbs and soft hair that was considered so attractive on Chrysala.

"Surpriiise!" Dritz said, waving his hands excitedly.

"You never said you were coming! But now you're here you can tell me what your message was about," Kli huffed, tugging off the heavy duty gloves he had needed to wear for work.

At first Vela rested one arm loosely around Tvie, holding the little girl gently on her lap as she chattered away. It was an unfamiliar experience, one which made her vaguely wish for the first time that having a child like this might be possible for her too.

[I'm not certain yet. I'm not so familiar with the customs of humans, but that sounds nice. Dritz and I might have quite a while before discussing any of that.] She exchanged an amused glance with her lover. [My people bond in a different way. Yes. And I believe that would be what you call it... though Aurians only take one partner. I won't want another.]

She had done her best to answer the stream of questions despite Tvie already reaching up and touching her hair, and then the door opened to further bewilder her. Certain this was Dritz's brother, Vela only gave him a smile in the hope that Dritz would be explaining her presence shortly. It was definitely obvious he had not gotten the meaning of the message, at least.

Tvie responded quite happily when Vela put her arm around, leaning into it and smiling. "That's nice," she said softly when Dritz had translated, adding that he didn't want another partner either (they were both aware of Nisk's eye's widening, though she did not look displeased, and Vizn's mouth curled up in one corner, but neither of them said anything), "It's weird to just have one partner, but maybe it would be weirder if you only wanted one but Dritz wanted more..." She started to muse aloud to no one in particular, "I think maybe I will have lots, because I like lots of people."

Meanwhile, Kli had finally seemed to notice Vela, and was staring at her.

"You wanna gawk any more, ooor...?" Dritz teased, leaning back and putting his arm around Vela. "This is Vela. She's the reason I wanted to visit. Vela, this is Kli, my totally-not-usually-this-rude brother."

This seemed to finally make the scrawny Chrysalan realise what he was doing, and he smiled warmly, almost flirtatiously, at Vela. "Sorry, sorry, I'm not used to meeting aliens. I mean, not that that's a bad thing. I mean, I know some aliens, but they're mostly... I mean..." he babbled, giving her an awkward grin.

"Well, now you know another. Vela is my partner," Dritz said proudly.

"They might get married! Like humans do! Isn't that cool?" Tvie said brightly.

Though she didn't say so, Vela agreed it might be a little strange if Dritz were to want more partners while she only wanted him. As they had discussed before, there was a sadness behind the idea in her way of thinking, but it was fortunate it had turned out that Dritz couldn't imagine another partner, either. The idea of Tvie wanting "lots" was amusing, still being so young.

Kli finally stopped staring and responded to her presence, though the way he smiled made her curious. [We might,] she signed cautiously, not wanting to ignore what Tvie had said or disappoint her by telling her it was unlikely they might undergo a human ritual just yet. [I'm pleased to meet you,] she continued to Kli, bowing her head slightly before looking up in curiousity. [Yes, I am Dritz's partner. You know some? They are mostly... what?] Maybe there was something extra unusual about the way she appeared, or it was something else, but she realized that she very much wanted to know what he had been referring to.

"He's trying to say that most aliens are outsiders," Dritz added after his translation, with a pointed glance at Kli, who visibly tensed.

"No, not in a bad way... They... They keep to themselves, I'm just surprised is all!" he babbled. "I really don't mean offense. Honest! And wait... Partner? Really?"

Dritz sighed, a rare moment of impatience for him, "Yes. I am very, very in love with her, she loves me, and we connect perfectly, so can we please leave it at that? I brought her to meet the other important folk in my life."

Kli seemed to sort of realise what was said, and he nodded. It was clear he had questions, but Dritz's face meant he kept them to himself for the moment.

The explanation troubled Vela a little, but she supposed Kli didn't really mean anything bad by it. Personally she could understand if those alien to a world tried to keep more to themselves out of fear of offending the natives or just plain general anxiety over being in such a strange place. She had to wonder if she would be the same here on Chrysala without Dritz.

[He's right about what he says,] Vela confirmed in an attempt to smooth over the situation. [We are very happy together. Your brother is a wonderful person.] Then she tried to change the subject in order to calm everyone further. [Where did you just come from? A job? What is it you do?] She was assuming because the gloves he wore were similar to Dritz's that the younger Chrysalan had been at work and wondered if he was similar to the rest of his family when it came to it.

Dritz chose to keep Vela's words about him being wonderful to himself, like a secret just for him. Kli didn't need to know that. He didn't need to know anything about their relationship. Frankly, Dritz was irked there was not so much support for them as he had been expecting.

Instead, he translated the rest. Kli seemed quite pleased to answer, patting his bunched up gloves inside his hand. "Oh, I'm an apprentice, learning how to repair the trams. It's... Pretty hard, but I think I'm okay. Learning the ropes, so to speak."

Dritz chuckled, nodding in approval, "Nice one."

"One what?" Kli asked innocently, unaware of the pun he'd made. Given the trams being suspended. Using ropes.

Of course, Vela didn't understand what Dritz was referring to either, but for a completely different reason, as she had never seen the trams being repaired.

[That sounds nice. I'm sure you'll do well,] she offered hesitantly, still aware of a certain amount of tension in the room. It wasn't a lot, though she could see her partner wasn't as happy with how everyone had responded as he might be.

Considering this, she turned her attention back to the one who had been most excited for them, who was still sitting on her lap. [And what would you like to do someday? Do you have any ideas?] Tvie seemed delighted to be asked a question, and Vela had been careful not to suggest the girl might be too young to know yet.

Tvie, seemingly unaware of any tension in the room, babbled happily to Vela about how she wanted to be a pilot who was also a fashion designer, but she wasn't sure which would be her more important job, and explained a very complicated method she had decided on to balance the two.

Soon after, Dritz made some pleasant enough excuses for them, saying he had some errands to run, and he ushered the two of them out (once he could pry Tvie off Vela and help the Aurian promise to come back and visit her, because they were friends.)

With many goodbyes out of the way and the streets outside of his home somehow more quiet than the house itself, Dritz sighed, pulling Vela into his arms.

"You did great. I know it sounds patronising... But I really mean that. You really... Really helped avert the gripes I was having with Kli."

Tvie's response was rather delightful, and Vela felt herself relaxing as she listened to the complicated (and definitely improbable) plan she had come up with to handle working two such very important jobs.

It would be untrue, however, to say she wasn't the least bit relieved to depart the house for now. Likely the rest of Dritz's family had to discuss them privately and it would be for the best if they could do so soon. Promising to return to see Tvie, who was very insistent on this matter, Vela said goodbye to everyone else and eagerly returned Dritz's embrace when they were outside again.

[Thank you. I did what I thought I could, but... are you sure everything will be alright?] The way half of them had reacted was slightly troubling. [What were you upset with him for?] She wondered if it had to do with Kli's disbelief when it came to their relationship, but wanted to ask to be sure.

Dritz sighed, shaking his head and kissing Vela's temple.

"I might have expected something like that from dad, but Kli is part of my generation... We've seen change in Chrysala more than my parents ever really did. Sure, the changes started years ago, but it's only recent that it's been so rapid, like... Heading headfirst into a completely different world beyond just work and family. More and more are deciding to be monogamous, and I know I've seen alien couples. Yeah, it's rare but... It's not as though it should be this big thing. It's just so... Archaic to think of partnerships as only being for reproduction," he ranted, rubbing his forehead. "After dad's reaction it was just especially frustrating. He's an idiot and I love him, but I just expected better."

He stroked her hair, just long enough that it sat obediently behind her ear for a second before springing back to where it clearly preferred to sit.

"I love you. They will too, they just need time to process, I think."

Though she hesitated briefly, Vela nodded. [I think I understand. You would want them to be accepting of your choices no matter what they are. You already know how different my planet is. I'm not sure if they will react the same, or if they won't care. It's going to be a new concept for them.]

She let him play with her hair, watching him with the smallest smile. [I never had considered it before, but after I met you, I knew that I didn't need a partner for reproduction. I will be happy with you no matter what we can and can't do.] Leaning up to kiss him, she decided maybe it was time to leave the subject behind for now.

[And I love you. We'll give them a chance to think about it. Do you know if... Are there any gardens on Chrysala?] Her sudden interest had made her switch from one sentence to another awkwardly. She gave him a hopeful smile, thinking it would be nice to relax and look around.

Dritz smiled, pleased that Vela seemed to see where he was coming from so readily. It was one of the many things that made him certain they were good together. Better than good, in fact. It baffled him that his family could not see things from his perspective in the same way.

The thought of fathering children had never been one which had held much weight to Dritz; he loved looking after Tvie, but beyond that he hadn't thought much about it, and so to hear such a thing from Vela reassured him in a way he didn't know he'd been wanting.

He beamed in response to her question, which was sudden and completely adorable. "Actually, yeah... in a manner of speaking," he said with a chuckle, leading her towards the nearest tram station.

When they arrived in the farming sector, it looked fairly industrial, while also being clinical, until Dritz led her up in a lift which opened out into a wide expanse of verdant greenery and widely spread exotic flowers in deep crimsons and purples, all covered in a thin sheen of moisture from the humidity. The smell was heady but earthy, and inviting.

Dritz explained that they had come to the farming sector, and Vela wasn't sure what to expect. It was not like the gardens she had experienced thus far in her limited travel, but spread out in a wide swath of land in front of her, nearly as far as she could see. Most of the plant growth was low to the ground and arranged in neat rows; she was happy to note that the plants were still covered in many flowers. When she remembered they were actually above the ground at the moment, she had to turn back to Dritz in wonder.

[This is amazing. And it's all above the surface of the planet... Your scientists must have worked very hard to accomplish this idea. You say it is a farm, but it's so beautiful. I didn't expect a farm to be like this from what I had read. And the smell is incredible. I have never...] She trailed off, shaking her head. The smell was intoxicating, in fact, and the major component that had been missing in the holographic garden on Hesperus. Everything was so fresh and alive, which was not something she was used to in the slightest.

After a little while of gazing about further, she dropped to her knees for a better view, just at the edge of the farmland. [These are all food crops?] she inquired of Dritz, directing her signing up at him. She wasn't aware how much he knew of Chrysalan agriculture but thought it was worth asking.

Watching Vela when she was around new plants was one of Dritz's favourite things, he decided. The wonder in her eyes, her eagerness to take in absolutely everything at once, no matter how impossible that might be.

He knelt next to her and plucked one of the flowers, a deep purple that almost looked indulgent. "Yeah. This floor in particular, and I chose it for a very important reason, is where we grow tea." He beamed at her, reaching up and tucking the flower behind her ear. "Beautiful."

He picked a different one, this time plucking a few bright red petals off it and rubbing them between his finger and thumb for a few moments, "It's not quite the same, buuut..." He held it up for her to smell. The heat from his hand and the crushed petals made a smell almost identical to the tea they had earlier.

There was a moment of further amazement for Vela when she heard Dritz tell her the plants were tea. Really, she should have known, but there were so many different types that she had not imagined it to be the case. She sat in quiet contemplation of this for a time, smiling slightly when he placed one of the purple flowers behind her ear.

Eager to verify for herself, she leaned forward and inhaled the scent of the flower lightly crushed in his hand. It was exactly the aroma of the tea, more concentrated and even headier. [It's so beautiful,] she echoed Dritz's sentiments, though she was referring to the smell instead. [I wish you had a proper garden full of tea flowers. The farm is lovely, but I imagine they won't want us sitting here too long.]

Yet they did linger, Vela eventually leaning against Dritz when she had stared around her for what felt like nearly long enough. She was pulled to his warmth, how soft he felt and how comforting as she gently nuzzled her cheek against his chest. All of the tension and worry seemed drained, leaving her feeling so much better than she had before they had reached the farmland.

"You are right, flower, but as it happens, because we don't have much natural landscape anymore, the farms are open for the public for some hours a day," Dritz explained softly, lazily playing with Vela's hair while they cuddled, sitting at the edge of the tea plants and looking out over them. "But yeah, we should go soon, I guess."

Eventually, he stood, scooping her up with him. Vela still cradled in his arms, he beamed, "So, what say we grab something simple, food-wise, to take back to the room, and have a nice hot bath together? It's been quite a day, and it'll be nice to just enjoy you all to myself for a while." He kissed her cheek before setting her down carefully.

Finding out that the gardens were open at times to anyone who might like to visit was very comforting to Vela. [That's good. We will have to come back later and see more of the farms.] Even if the rest weren't as pretty as the tea farm, she had an unquenchable curiosity when it came to any and all plants and knew she would love it anyway.

Though she agreed with all of Dritz's ideas after he had swept her up, she was initially concerned that he was about to carry her through all of it. When he kissed her cheek and set her down again, however, she nearly felt like she could laugh in her amusement over her own thoughts. Instead she only smiled but didn't explain, moving closer to kiss him sweetly before taking his hand to leave the farm.

It had been a long day, but with Dritz remaining at her side, she realized she did not mind nearly as much.

#starless horizon #rp file #rp logs #file 26 #meeting the bugfamily oh noooo #but they so cute ;-;#i love them sfm

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netunleashed-blog · 7 years ago

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Scottish Open: Rickie Fowler and Lee Westwood one off the lead | Golf News

http://www.internetunleashed.co.uk/?p=4522 Scottish Open: Rickie Fowler and Lee Westwood one off the lead | Golf News - http://www.internetunleashed.co.uk/?p=4522 By Keith Jackson Last Updated: 12/07/18 9:40pm Former champions Rickie Fowler and Lee Westwood both made strong starts to the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open as Luke List led the way after round one. List ended the first day with a one-shot lead after he defied his lack of links golf experience to match the course record of 63 at Gullane, while Fowler, Westwood and English veteran Robert Rock all opened with confident 64s. Rickie Fowler opened with a superb 64 at Gullane Fowler, who lifted the coveted trophy the last time it was played at Gullane in 2015, gave himself a chance to break 60 when he reached seven under with his fifth birdie of the round at the 12th but, like most of the field, he found the inward stretch a tough prospect. The world No 7 dropped a shot at 13 and parred in from there to stay at six under, two strokes better off than he was en route to winning three years ago, and he was happy with his hot start having birdied two, three and four before driving the green at the sixth and holing the putt for eagle."I knew it was out there to get a few in the first six to nine holes, but at the same time, you've still got to hit fairways, hit greens and make putts," said Fowler. 2:03 Rickie Fowler reflects on a fast start and an opening-round 64 at the Scottish Open Rickie Fowler reflects on a fast start and an opening-round 64 at the Scottish Open "So it was nice to go out and execute early and would have been nice to get a few more on the back. The back was playing tougher coming in and could have presented some trouble but I feel like we did a good job of avoiding that."Fowler was the second player to hand in a 64 after Rock, 41, had claimed the early clubhouse lead with a bogey-free opener, which featured three birdies over the first four holes, and the pair were later joined by Scott Fernandez, Jens Dantorp and a resurgent Westwood.The 45-year-old, who now lives in nearby Edinburgh, also kept a bogey off his card and made his birdies in pairs at the first and second, fifth and sixth before further gains at 13 and 14 lifted him into a share of second. Lee Westwood is also one off the lead after his bogey-free opener "There's a sense that things are getting back to where I wanted to be," said Westwood, who has not won on the European Tour since 2014. "I'm hitting the ball on flights I haven't seen for a while but I'm hitting a lot of good putts on the greens."You know, just trying to make a good action, really, and work on my technique and I know if I get that, keep doing that, then I'm going to see better things and see improvement."The quintet on six under were surpassed late in the day by List, who enjoyed a sparkling run of four straight birdies on the front nine before adding four in another prolific five-hole stretch from the 11th. Luke List has a one-shot lead after round one Masters champion Patrick Reed went one better than List on the outward half as he reeled off five consecutive birdies from the second and another gain at nine capped a superb, outward 29.But the feisty American was not able to add any red numbers after the turn, and he blotted his card with a messy six at the long 16th as he settled with a 65 along with Tyrrell Hatton and European Ryder Cup vice-captain Robert Karlsson.Former Masters champion Danny Willett continued his recent return to form with a solid 66 which was matched by last week's Irish Open winner Russell Knox and Ian Poulter, while Justin Rose was one stroke further off the pace. Phil Mickelson was disappointed to fire a level-par 70 The world No 3 also made four birdies in a row on the front nine and made seven in total, but he did litter his card with three bogeys to slip outside the top 25 on a day in which 96 players managed to break the par of 70 in benign conditions by links standards.But one of them was not Phil Mickelson, who offset three birdies with as many dropped shots in a frustrating opening round for the 2013 winner, while defending champion Rafa Cabrera Bello was two over after following an early birdie at the second with three bogeys to leave him facing a tough task to make the weekend. Live European Tour Golf July 13, 2018, 10:30am Live on 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