#they should have named mc as nell!

[thisghosts-obsessions-again]

The start feels like an amalgamation of Dracula and The Haunting of Hill House. AMAZING 🤩

[khoicesbyk]

The Royal Romance.

Love Everlasting.

A/N: I had a different name and plot for this fic over a year ago. But after being in the RP community for more than a year, I've decided to write the current Royal Life of my favorite OTP.

Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 18K words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or dm me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

And this is Part 2 of Chapter 12! I hope you all enjoy it!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations

Chapter 12.) Best Birthday Ever. Part 2.

The rest of the week went by smoothly and that Friday, it was finally Khari’s birthday. Her parents were just as excited about the day as she was. 

“Today is a very special day! Do you know why Princess?” Marquise asked his daughter.

Khari giggled.

“No, why Daddy?” she replies playing along.

“Because today is your birthday! Happy Birthday my love!” 

Seeing the smile on her face was all Marquise wanted in life.

“And do you know what we do on your birthday?” he asked.

“What?” Khari replies.

“We sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in different languages!” 

Khari clapped as Marquise cleared his throat.

“Now bear with me, Daddy is a tad bit rusty.”

“Sing Daddy sing!” Khari cheered.

“Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday my Princess! Happy Birthday to you! Now that's how we sing it in English. En français, nous chantons: Joyeux anniversaire à toi! Joyeux anniversaire à toi! Joyeux anniversaire ma princesse! Joyeux anniversaire à toi! En español cantamos: ¡Feliz cumpleaños a ti! ¡Feliz cumpleaños a ti! ¡Feliz cumpleaños, mi princesa! ¡Feliz cumpleaños a ti!” 

“Thank you, Daddy!”

“You are more than welcome, my love.”

That's when Shanelle walked into Khari’s room.

“There's my birthday girl! Happy Birthday, baby!”

Khari got up and ran into her mother’s arms. 

“Thank you, Mommy! I'm excited about my party tomorrow. I wanna see everybody be pretty!” 

“Then you, me, and Mommy better get dressed! We have a flight to catch.” Marquise quipped.

“Okay, Daddy!” 

Once everyone was dressed, it was time to go but first Khari had to say goodbye to Margo.

“Bye Grammy! I love you!” Khari said as she hugged Margo.

“Goodbye, my darling. I hope you have a great time at your birthday party.” 

“Daddy said you weren't feeling good.”

“I'm not but I promise when you get back from celebrating with all your friends and family, we'll have our own party. Okay?” 

Khari nodded.

“Okay!”

“Good. Now go have fun, my love.” 

“Will do!”

With that everyone was off to the winery for Khari’s Pokemon Party. The next day it was kids, Pokemon costumes, pizza, cupcakes, and loads of fun. The winery had been transformed into a life-size Pokemon gym. Almost everyone had on a costume. Even the hosts of the party.

“Oh. My. God!” Shanelle said to Bron and Logan who were dressed up as Poke Balls.

“Ohhhh my!” Marquise said with a snicker.

“Don't mind him! You two look adorable!” 

“Thank you, Nelle,” Bron said to her.

Marquise looked at Logan and snickered.

“This your idea?” he asks Logan gesturing to the costume.

“Nope. Wife’s idea.” Logan replies.

Marquise nodded before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a cigar. 

“For later.”

Logan nodded gratefully.

The party was a hit. It was heartwarming to watch the kids run around, hopped up on sugar, and have the time of their lives. When the party was officially over the kids were out cold and sleeping in their daddy’s arms. 

“Annnnnnnd the kiddos are out like taillights,” Shanelle said to Bron, “thanks again, babe. I don’t know how to repay you and Logan for everything.”

Bronwyn smiled. 

“It was an absolute pleasure. Anything for her.”

The two friends smiled at each other. Shanelle couldn't have been any happier. Her daughter’s birthday party was everything she could've hoped for. 

Next up was His Majesty and Dee’s shared birthday and the day she's been waiting for: The Last Apple Ball. It is still October after all. 

The palace staff was all abuzz about the upcoming ball. Many were busy with final preparations for the Last Apple Ball and Shanelle was getting her husband's birthday gifts ready. Starting with the new cigar and whiskey lounge she had built for him. Cigars aren't her thing but she knows what they mean to him so she wanted him to have a place where he could enjoy a good drink and an even better cigar. 

Then there was Dee. She couldn't wait to spoil her. She had her birthday presents ready to go but first, it was hosting Dee’s birthday dinner at the palace. 

These are two people that Shanelle cares about the most and she wanted them both to have the best birthday ever. So on October 21st, her mission was simple, it was Operation: Birthday Bash.

On the morning of the 21st, Shanelle was awake while her husband was still asleep so she laid there next to him with a hand on his chest. When she looked at him she didn't just see the King, the Father, and the Husband that he is. She saw a survivor. 

He has survived all these years when many thought and wished him to fail. Has he always gotten it right? No. But that's what she loved about him, even when he stumbles he does not give up nor does he know how to quit. He can't. When she looked at him she saw a man who always strived for peace even when it wasn't always attainable. 

As she traced abstract shapes on his chest he slowly started to wake up. He blinked sleepily before turning to face her with a slow smile.

“Good morning my love.”

“Good morning handsome. Happy Birthday.” 

He kissed her softly.

“Thank you.”

“How do you feel? Any older?” she asked.

He chuckled softly.

“No, not really. It feels like any other day I am excited to celebrate though,” he replies.

“I'm sure. You and the boys are going to the new casino in Fydelia.”

“I can't wait! I do hope you and the girls have fun tonight.”

“It's gonna be us and all the pasta combinations we can eat.”

Just then the sound of running feet was heard. 

“Uh oh! I hear the pitter-patter of little feet.”

“Quick! Hide me!” he said as he ducked under the covers. 

“What are you doing?” Shanelle asks.

“If she asks, I’m on the moon!” he replied.

Shanelle cackled as her daughter excitedly entered their bedroom with a gift in her hand. 

“Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!” Khari said as ran to his side of the bed, “Oh! Morning Mommy!” 

“Morning baby.”

Khari turned her attention back to her father.

“Daddy! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!” she said as she tried to shake him. “Come on Daddy! You gotta wake up!”

“What's that?” Shanelle asks, gesturing to the item in Khari’s hands.

“It's a birthday card I made in arts and crafts at school yesterday. Ms. Renard, my art teacher, said that Daddy would like it.” 

Shanelle looked down at Marquise who was still hiding.

“Jig’s up. You can come out now.” Shanelle said to her husband. 

Marquise pulled back the covers.

“Daddy! Happy Birthday!” Khari said as she hugged her dad.

“Thank you my little one. Now what's this about a birthday card you made?” he replies.

“Right here Daddy. See?” Khari said before handing him the card. 

It was decorated with stickers and glitter.

“Happy Birthday Daddy. I love you. Love, Khari.” Marquise read aloud. It melted his heart and brought a tear to his eye that Khari made him a birthday card. “Thank you, my beautiful one. This means the world to me.”

“So you like it?” Khari asks.

“I love it. It's the best birthday present I have ever had. And do you know why?” he replies.

Khari shook her head no.

“Because you made it for me. I could not ask for a better birthday present.” 

Shanelle loved their relationship. There was nothing he wouldn't do for their daughter. And nobody loves that man more than Khari. 

“You two are gonna make me cry,” Shanelle said to them.

“Nooo! This is a no-crying zone, Mommy.”

“Is it a hugging zone?” Shanelle asked.

Khari nodded. 

“Yup. Right Daddy?” Khari asks.

“Always,” Marquise replies.

What started as a hug between father and daughter turned into a family hug. This was all Marquise wanted and needed. His girls. They are everything he could've ever asked God for. Their love gives him strength. Their support gives him courage. They are his reasons for everything that he does in life. 

“Now as much as I love our family moments together, I’m starving! Let's all get dressed so we can go eat.” Marquise said.

“Okay!” Khari replies before hopping out of their bed and running to go get dressed. 

Marquise sat with Shanelle for a second holding the handmade card. 

“You okay?” Shanelle asks.

Marquise smiled to himself.

“Yes, I’m fine. This just touched my heart is all,” he replies.

Shanelle kissed his cheek.

“You. Teddybear. Ring a bell?” she asks.

Marquise rolled his eyes good-naturedly.

“Come on. Let's get dressed.”

After getting dressed and having breakfast with her family, and surprising her husband with his fully stocked cigar and whiskey lounge, the men were off on joy rides while the girls were celebrating Dee. 

“Those boys were outta here quick,” Dee said. 

“And they'll be out of our hair for the rest of the day thank goodness,” Shanelle said as they watched the kids play together.

“So it'll just be us, the moms, and the kids?” Dee asks.

“Yup. Just us girls. And Brayden, Branden, and Rain.” Shanelle replies. 

“I can't wait!” Dee said. 

That night while the guys were out, the girls and kids were celebrating Dee for her birthday. 

“Happy Birthday Dee!” the girls said to her. 

“Thank you, everyone! This has been amazing! The food is top-tier. The company…I couldn't ask for a better group of friends, sisters, nieces, and nephews,” Dee replies.

“Time for presents Mommy?” Khari whispered to her mom.

“Go for it kiddo!” Shanelle replies.

“Aunt Dee! It's time for birthday presents.” Khari said to Dee.

“Birthday presents?” Dee asks.

“Yeah,” Khari replies.

“What did you get me?” Dee asks.

Khari whistled.

“Bring it in!”

Attendants walked in with four giant vases of different colored roses.

“Oh. My. God!” Dee exclaimed.

“Here Aunt Dee,” Khari said as she handed a card.

Dee read the card out loud.

“For my birthday twin. Happy Birthday! P.S. Khari helped me pick out the roses.”

Dee looked at Khari. 

“You did this?” Dee asks.

Khari nodded.

“Yeah! Daddy’s not very good at buying flowers. So I helped,” Khari replies.

Everyone died laughing.

“Little girl! No, you didn't just embarrass your Daddy in a room full of people!” Shanelle said with a laugh.

Dee shook her head with a smile.

“Thank you, Khari. They're absolutely beautiful.”

Khari hugged Dee.

“Happy Birthday!”

“Thank you, sweetie.”

That's when an attendant handed Shanelle a tablet.

“Oh, Dee! Apparently, you left these at the airport.” Shanelle said. 

“Left what?” Dee asks.

“These,” Shanelle replies.

When Shanelle handed Dee the tablet, she nearly dropped it. Sitting in a hangar was an all-white Maybach and a private Jet. 

“You…” Dee trailed off.

“Weren't about to be upstaged by my husband and daughter? No, I wasn't.” Shanelle replies.

Dee squealed.

“Thank you, Nelle! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

“You're so welcome baby. Hopefully, James won't be too mad at me?”

Dee scoffed. 

“Who cares if he is? You got me a jet!”

The rest of the night was filled with giggles, kids, and love. That night Shanelle was leaning against the railing of her balcony when her husband came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.

“You wonderful, amazing, beautiful woman! Oh, how I love you, let me count the ways!” he whispered in her ear.

“You are so drunk,” she said to him.

“And rich! Did I mention rich?” he asks.

“What do you think I’m doing here?” she replies.

He snickered.

“How was the casino?” she asked.

“Amazing. It's in a perfect location,” he replies.

“I'm not so sure Regina would agree. After all, you did seize the majority of her parent's lands and have the casino built there.”

Marquise rolled his eyes.

“It's not my fault that her father owed on a loan that he never paid back and it forced her to have to pay the interest.” 

“That's funny. Because I don't remember seeing that loan on the books for Duke Henri.”

“Her husband was a crafty one. He hid it from the Monarchy. Carlo found it and well my hands were tied.”

“Are you sure you weren't being petty?” she asks.

Marquise gave her a look out the corner of his right eye.

“Okay fine. Whatever your reasons were my King, I'm sure they were justified.”

He brought the palm of her right hand to his lips for a tender kiss.

“Indeed my Queen. And now onto tomorrow night!” 

“Finally!” 

The two smiled at each other before they turned in. 

It was finally the day of The Last Apple Ball. Tonight, the Palace and Cordonia as well as The Royals' family and friends would gather together to celebrate the coming to an end of Shanelle’s pregnancy. What they didn't know was she had one more birthday surprise for her unsuspecting husband. 

That whole day was spent as a whirlwind at the palace. It was also the time for her to go over the plan to surprise Marquise with Khari.

“Alright, Peanut! What's the plan for tonight?” Shanelle asked her daughter. 

“To surprise Daddy!” Khari replies.

“Right on kiddo! But what are we surprising him with?” Shanelle asks.

Khari thought for a moment.

“The surprise from you and me!” Khari replied.

Shanelle snorted. 

“Yes, baby. But what is the surprise?” Shanelle asks.

“The big surprise! The one with me and Daddy.” Khari replies.

“That's right! So go get ready and you can join Grammy and Pop Pop.” 

“Okay, Mommy.”

Shanelle watched Khari run off to get ready. Then got ready herself. She was excited for tonight. Because it was about her and her twins. After final hair and makeup, it was time to get dressed. With Abhi’s help, she was ready. She and Marquise opted to skip tradition and not to wear crowns this evening. 

They were led to a separate small room as guests were let into the main ballroom. They could hear voices fill the room. Once guests were seated in the main ballroom, the herald announced the entrances.

“Introducing the Mistress Of Ceremonies, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Khari Rys! Accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Damien Miller and Duchess Shantel Miller!” the herald announced. 

Khari walked in with her grandparents and when they reached the center of the room, they were joined by Margo. 

“Hello everybody! Welcome to the palace and welcome to The Last Apple Ball! Tonight we celebrate my Mommy and my brothers!” Khari announced to the room.

Hearing their daughter announce brought tears to Marquise’s eyes. It reminded him of all the times he had announced for his mother and Shanelle noticed. 

“You okay?” she asked her husband. 

“Yeah. I'm okay. I'm just…I’m so proud of her.” he replied.

“I know. I am too.”

Shanelle laid her head on his shoulder just as Damien was heard clearing his throat. 

“Ladies and Gentlemen! Please rise! For His Majesty Marquise Rys and Her Majesty Shanelle Miller-Rys!”

“My Mommy and Daddy!” Khari added.

“The King and Queen Of Cordonia!” Damien announced. 

Shanelle slipped her right hand into his left as the Cordonian National Anthem played and the main doors opened up. The couple walked into the room with all eyes on them. 

“This is all for you,” Marquise whispered to his wife.

“Us. This is all for us. You deserve to be celebrated just as much as I do. After all, you’re the one who’s had to put up with me.” she replies.

Marquise chuckled softly as they reached the center of the ballroom and their daughter. 

“Daddy, were you and Mommy able to hear me?” Khari asked.

“Yes, my love we were. You did fabulously. You were a very big girl. I'm so proud of you.” Marquise replies.

Khari smiled at her father before standing off to the side with her grandparents.

“On behalf of our children, I want to personally thank all of you for coming tonight to celebrate this courageous woman to my left.”

Marquise cleared his throat. 

“Being pregnant is not easy. Sacrificing nine to ten months of your life to nurture the precious life of an unborn child is a burden I could never bear. Much less bear the burden to nurture the lives of two unborn children. But she has. My wife has practiced and mastered the intricacies of the arts of grace, poise, patience, tenacity, strength, courage, resilience, beauty, and most importantly love.”

“And my mommy did a great job too!” Khari added. 

Marquise chuckled before looking at his wife.

“Tonight is all about you. This celebration of life and love is all for you. Your courage. Your strength. Your protectiveness. Your love. All of these things are privileges that you freely give to the world but mostly to your family. Tonight we celebrate the Queen you are. Tonight we celebrate the Wife you are. But mostly tonight, we celebrate the Mother you are. And the Mother you will become. Because in a matter of just days, your long, arduous journey through pregnancy and your sacrifice will come to an end. And at that end, our boys, our Princes, your sons…will be here. Safe and sound in your arms and surrounded by your love.”

Marquise took a deep breath before kissing the back of her left hand and kneeling before her.

“I want and desperately need you to know that I absolutely adore you, I cherish you, and above all else I love you. As a King, I bend my knee to no one…except you. Tonight, the world celebrates you, it's one true Queen.”

“I hate you so much right now!” she replied quietly with tears in her eyes.

Marquise smiled before rising to his feet.

“Now I believe the Princess has one more thing to say.”

Khari nodded.

“Let the party begin!” Khari declared. 

Once the couple took their seats, dinner was served and the celebration began. 

Dinner was divine. It was an upscale meal fit for the Queen. 

Soon, it was time for dancing! Because they always dance in Cordonia. The ballroom was filled with couples swaying and twirling together in a sea of colors.

“Daddy! Will you dance with me?” Khari asked her father. 

“Mon amour, ce serait un honneur pour moi de danser avec toi,” Marquise replies as he took Khari’s hand in his and went out on the dance floor. 

Many of the other couples on the floor stopped and watched as the King danced with his daughter. She stood on his feet as they danced around the floor.

“Daddy you're very tall!”

“And you're very short.”

Khari made a face.

“I’m a kid Daddy!”

Marquise snickered.

“No, you're a Princess.”

“Yup!”

Shanelle smiled as she watched them with her parents.

“You know there was a time when you used to do that with me,” Damien said to his daughter. 

Shanelle snorted. 

“Still could. Wanna dance Daddy?” Shanelle asks.

Damien bowed.

“I would love to,” Damien replied.

Damien took Shanelle by the hand and led her out to the dance floor. Around the dance floor, they went. Eventually dancing in circles with the King and the Princess.

“Hi, Mommy! Hi, Pop Pop!” 

“Fancy meeting you two here,” Shanelle said to them.

Marquise looked at Damien with an eyebrow raised. 

“Careful Your Highness. That's my wife you got your hands on.” 

Damien scoffed. 

“She was my daughter way before she was ever your wife. Don't ever forget that.”

Marquise smirked.

“Well played…dad.”

“You're welcome…son.”

Shanelle rolled her eyes good-naturedly.

“You two never stop.”

“Your husband started it!” Damien complained.

Shanelle shrugged.

“Technically, you are in his kingdom.”

Damien grumbled.

“You'll be okay Daddy.”

Eventually, His Majesty switched partners with Damien and was happy to dance with his wife as other couples joined the dance floor.

“My feet hurt and I was starting to get a crick in my neck.” 

Shanelle rolled her eyes with a smirk.

“And you enjoyed every second of it.” 

“Oh absolutely. Dancing with our 5-year-old ball of energy and giggles is always fun. Reminded me of dancing with my mother.”

“You really miss her.”

Marquise smiled ruefully.

“With us being so close to your due date, I can't help it. I can't help but wish that she was here. I can't help but wish she could be here for you and Khari and especially the boys.”

Shanelle smiled softly at him. 

“She's proud of you. You know that right?” Shanelle asks.

“God I can only hope so.”

As the night went on and everyone mingled, danced, laughed, and had a good time. While Shanelle pulled Khari aside for their surprise.

“Alright, kiddo! Are you ready?” Shanelle asked her daughter. 

“Yup! Let's surprise Daddy!” Khari replies.

Shanelle looked out to the dance floor to see her husband dancing with Margo.

“He’s gonna be so happy!” Khari said.

“Indeed he will, baby.”

Shanelle cleared her throat before calling for everyone’s attention.

“If I may have everyone’s attention!” Shanellen announced to the gathered crowd, “This little one and I have a special surprise for her father. “

“What?!” Marquise called out from the dance floor.

“You heard me!” Shanelle replies.

Marquise looked at Margo who just shrugged.

“Damien! What is your daughter talking about?” Marquise asked.

“I have no idea, Your Majesty! I’m not part of this!” Damien replied.

“Oh God! This is how I die. Oh God! Oh God! Oh God!”

Margo stifled a laugh.

“Stop complaining and go see what it is.”

Marquise gave her a look.

“If I die because of whatever it is they have planned, I will haunt you until the end of your days,” Marquise warned her.

“Duly noted my King. Now go.” 

With a kiss on Margo’s cheek, Marquise joined his wife and daughter. 

“Okay, I’m here. What is it?” he asked them.

That’s when Shanelle signaled for the surprise to be presented. Attendants wheeled in a large square covered in a crushed red velvet veil.

“Now Daddy you gotta close your eyes,” Khari told her father. 

Marquise looked over and raised an eyebrow at Shanelle.

“This better not be an assassination attempt.”

Shanelle shrugged innocently. 

“That doesn't help. At all.“

“Come on Daddy! You gotta close your eyes.”

“Okay…”

Marquise closed his eyes and Khari led him closer to the surprise. After angling him just right, Khari looked at her mother. 

“You ready?” Shanelle mouthed. 

When Khari gave her mother two thumbs up, Shanelle gave the signal to have the surprise unveiled. 

It was a portrait of him and Khari. Sitting on the steps of the library at Duchy Anyango. They were holding the Monarchial Orb and wearing matching t-shirts. 

“Okay, Daddy. You can open your eyes now.”

When Marquise opened his eyes he was stunned. He just stood there staring at the portrait with a hand over his mouth. 

“Uh, Mommy?” Khari asks.

“Yeah?” Shanelle replies.

“I think we broke Daddy.”

“Quick! We gotta go!” 

“Go where?” Khari asked.

“To your daddy’s office! If he's broken then that means you’re the new Monarch!” Shanelle replies.

“But I’m 5!”

“Exactly! Until you become of age I get to rule! Come on girl! We gotta move!”

Khari gave her mother a look.

“Mommy!” she fussed. 

“What?! This is what me and Grammy have been working for! I get for rule and she gets to finally retire. This is our chance!”

Khari wouldn't budge.

“Ugh! Why do you have to be such a Daddy’s girl?” Shanelle fussed.

“Ask Pop Pop that question,” Khari replies.

Shanelle rolled her eyes with a smile.

“Fine! Go check on your Daddy.”

Khari walked over to her father and put her right hand in his left. 

“Daddy?” Khari asked.

Her question snapped him out of whatever trance he was in.

“Huh?” he replies.

“Are you okay?” she asks.

“Yes, my love. I'm okay. Did you do this?” he asked.

“Me and Mommy did this. Do you like it?” Khari replies.

He knelt down to look his daughter in the eye.

“I love it. When did you and your mother do this?” he asked.

“A few weeks ago. Mommy said it would be a big surprise for your birthday but I had to keep quiet. Do you know what it means?” she replies.

Marquise looked at the portrait with a smile.

“Cordonia Forever?” 

Khari giggled.

“No silly! It means Cordonia present,” she said as she placed her right hand over his heart. 

“And future,” he said as he placed his hand over hers and finished her sentence. She nodded. Marquise shook his head with a sniffle.

“I don’t think you understand what you mean to me. God knows I adore you. I will do any and everything for you. You are my entire reason for everything that I do. You are my pride and joy. My reason for waking up. My reason for being the King that I am.“

“I love you, Daddy.”

He smiled at her with tears in his eyes.

“I love you too. You are my sweet Princess, and no matter how old you get, no matter how independent you become, no matter where you go or what course you chart in this life…I want you to know that you will always be my little girl.”

Khari threw her arms around his neck and gave him the biggest hug that she could muster. When he stood up, she was in his arms.

“Do me a favor, go stand over there with your grandparents while I deal with your mother.”

Khari nodded.

“Be nice Daddy!” 

“I'm always nice!”

Khari gave him a look. 

“Okay, I’m nice most of the time.”

“Much better.”

With a sweet kiss on her forehead, Marquise put his daughter down and watched her run off to her grandparents before turning his attention to his wife. 

“Hi!” Shanelle said to her husband.

“You tried to kill me!” 

“I did not!”

“You did too! I nearly had a stroke!”

“Why would I kill you in a room full of witnesses, specifically our daughter?” Shanelle asks.

“Because you’re a sadist who is evil like that!” he replied.

Shanelle couldn't disagree with him.

“Good point.”

Marquise shook his head with tears in his eyes.

“How did you do this?” he barely managed to ask his wife. 

“I wanted you to have something that symbolizes your love for Khari and the boys,” she replied. 

He took a deep breath as he ran a hand over the border of the portrait. As if to remind himself of the love he is so blessed to have. 

He spoke softly, “I don’t even know what to say to you. You have given me the greatest I could ever ask for in our daughter and our sons but this…Shanelle you have no idea how much this means to me.”

She smiled softly at him and said, “I think I have a pretty good idea. But in all seriousness, I’m happy that you like it.” 

He shook his head and said, “I don’t like it, my love. I love it. I truly love it.”

“Happy Birthday, Marquise. It might have taken a while but this was the birthday present we wanted you to have. Isn’t that right babe?”, she said as she looked over to see their daughter who was asleep in her father’s arms. “Annnnd…she’s out!”

Her mother mouthed the words, “We’ll go put her to bed.”

“Awww! Poor baby couldn't hang.”

Marquise chuckled.

“Message well received,” he said. 

He knelt before her. Resting his forehead against her stomach.

“I would be dead without you in my life. You have given me the life I always prayed to God for. I adore you. I cherish you. I worship you. I lay myself, my love, and my life at your altar. You are a Goddess to me and to the world. You have given me our beautiful children. You have given me a love I am not worthy of. I don't deserve you. I never will deserve you. Tonight is about you. Not me. And yet you refuse the spotlight that was always meant to be just for you.”

“Because tonight is about us. Not just me. I can't do any of this, hell I would not have any of this without you.” 

Marquise took a shaky breath before standing up.

“I'm reminded of the song we chose for our anniversary this year.”

He cleared his throat before singing softly.

“We were made, we were made to love. Oh, baby. You came along and rescued me, rescued me. Stuck on you. And Lord I pray, we keep holding on.”

“Holding on…” she sang to him.

“I'll be holding on. I’ll keep holding on.” he sang to her.

They smiled at each other. 

“I love you Shanelle.”

“I love you too Marquise.” 

Marquise signaled to an attendant to bring him and her a glass. 

“If you all will take a glass and indulge me in one last toast,” he said to the crowd before turning to Shanelle.

“I can say a million and one things to and about you. And all of it would do you no justice. But I will say this, my love, you are an incredibly phenomenal woman. You are brave. You are selfless. You are unconditionally loving. You are protective. You are fierce in your unwavering loyalty. You lead this kingdom with conviction. You give without question, rhyme, or reason. You are the Queen this world deserves to have and to celebrate. So here's to you.”

Marquise raised his glass and others followed suit. 

“All Hail The Queen!”

Shanelle nodded tearfully as she clinked her glass with his. She placed a hand on her stomach before speaking. 

“You know one would think I could do this whole closing speech thing in my sleep. Because I have done it a million times before. But right now I’m speechless. I have no words to thank everyone with. Many of you traveled far and wide to attend this ball tonight and I have not been and can not be more grateful. To my friends, and especially to my family, I love you all so much. Tonight was about joy and excitement. And I couldn't ask for a better night to celebrate. But tonight was not just about me. It was about us. It is about our family. And the life and love we share.”

Shanelle took a deep breath. 

“So I say this to you. My husband.”

Shanelle cleared her throat.

“Long Live The King! May your reign be steadfast and true!”

Marquise bowed to her. As the crowd began to filter out of the ballroom, Marquise led his wife to a side door.

“Walk with me?” he whispered.

“Sure. Where are we going?” she replies.

“To the hedge maze.”

She looped her left arm with his right as they stepped out into the cool autumn air. They walked in companionable silence to the entrance of the maze. 

“So why are we walking to the hedge maze?” she asks.

“It's been a long time since we walked the maze. And with the boys due soon, I was feeling nostalgic,” he replied.

They walked into the maze hand in hand. Disappearing into the hedges and flowers. They walked until they came to the swing at the halfway point. 

“Here sit,” he said to her.

“I don’t know if you know this but I don't fit in this swing anymore.”

He gave her a look.

“Okay but if I get stuck that's gonna be your ass,” she warned him.

“Worth it.”

He knelt before her as if to pray.

“You've been doing that all night. Your knees are gonna be killing you in the morning,” she said to him.

He smiled softly before looking at her.

“It's worth the pain.”

He rested his forehead against her stomach before placing a sweet kiss. When he stood up he walked behind her gently placing his hands around hers. 

“You know what I saw as we walked the path here?” he asked her.

“No, what?” she replies.

“I saw our children. Laughing and running down the path. Each one trying to be the first to get to the swing.”

“Like you and Leo used to do?” she asks.

“Yes. Just without all the tripping and snickering,” he replied.

“And what else do you see in this vision of yours?” she asks.

“I saw me behind them. Way behind them,” he replies.

“Why are you way behind them?” 

“Because I’m still at the entrance trying to catch my breath.” 

Shanelle snorted.

“But when I finally reach them, they're all on the swing together. The boys are sitting in Khari’s lap and they're just waiting for me to push them.”

Marquise shook his head.

“You probably think it's silly.”

“No. I think it's beautiful. You see them being children. Getting to be happy and carefree for a time. Getting to laugh and run around. But mostly you see them having the childhood you didn't. You see them getting to feel the love of their father. Something you never had.”

She felt his hands tighten around hers.

“I can't get this wrong. I can’t. I can't screw this up. I will never be able to forgive myself. I will never be able to live with myself. I can't be like him. I refuse to be like him.”

“You aren't. And you never will be. You are not your father. You love and care for your children. Will you always get this father thing right? No. But you never give up. You always strive to be the best father you can be. Because you know what it feels like to not have a father. Connie was horrible. The absolute worst example of a father. He was cruel, cold, neglectful, arrogant, and callous. You aren't like that. You could never be like that.”

Marquise sat down in front of her. Resting his head against her belly. She rested her arms on his shoulders.

“I know you see him as your demon. And I understand why you do. But he is not your burden or your cross to bear. Connie made his own choices in life and now his soul sits in whatever hell he created for himself. You are not responsible for him. You never were. Unlike him, you are good to your children. Just look at Khari. That little girl adores you and will cuss out anyone before shanking them with a Barbie doll if they dare to speak ill of her Daddy. Because her Daddy is the best Daddy in the whole wide world.”

Marquise cackled.

“Shanking them with a Barbie doll?” he asks.

“Have you met your daughter?” she replies.

“True enough.”

Shanelle leaned forward slightly.

“Our kids are so incredibly blessed to call you their father. You have always been the father to Khari that you always wanted Connie to be to you. You guide her. You love her. You teach her. You sing to her. You dance with her. You will embarrass yourself just to make her laugh and smile. When she's scared you’re there to comfort her. You put in the work to show up and be present in her life. Because that's who you are. You’re a good father. And soon, these two munchkins will know the love that their sister knows.”

“Thank you, my love.”

“You're welcome. Now get me out of this swing before I get stuck.”

Marquise stood up before helping his wife out of the swing and brushing off the grass stuck to his pants.

“Abhi is going to blow a gasket when he finds out you got grass on your pants,” Shanelle said to him.

Marquise threw her a cocky smirk before falling back into the grass wildly moving his arms and legs up and down.

“What are you doing?” Shanelle asked.

“Making grass angels! They're like snow angels but without the snow!” he replies.

Shanelle couldn't help but laugh at her husband's antics.

“Stop it before you give your uncle a stroke,” she said to him while laughing. 

“Oh come on! You should try it!”

“If I get down there with you I won't be getting back up.”

“Suit yourself! Wheeeeeeee!”

“You are so childish!”

The two laughed until both were out of breath. Finally, Marquise stood up covered in grass. 

“You are something else. You know that right?” she asks.

“I made you laugh and I got to see that smile that I love so much. So I’d say my childishness paid off,” he replies.

Shanelle shook her head before wrapping her arms around his neck. 

“You know why I love this part of the hedge maze?” he asks.

She shook her head no.

“Because this is where we spent our first anniversary. Just you, me, a blanket, a ton of snow, and mugs of hot chocolate.” 

She smiled at him.

“I love you. So much,” he whispers to her.

“I love you too,” she replied before kissing him sweetly.

He took her by the hand and they walked back into the palace. 

This whole weekend had been a birthday to remember for him and now it was her turn to celebrate. She and the girls are going to see Usher. 

The days leading up to her birthday flew by. And before she knew it, she was on a plane headed to Spain to pick Robin up so they could fly to Las Vegas together. While the plane refueled, Shanelle went to pick up Robin who was more than ready to go. 

As soon as Shanelle stepped out of the waiting car, Robin ran past her.

“What in the world?” Shanelle asks.

“Nelle! Let's go! We got a plane to catch!” Rob replies.

“Why did you run past me like that?” Shanelle asked.

“Because your friend is on demon time!” Rob replied.

“My friend?” Shanelle asked herself. Just as Eddie walked up. 

“Hey, Butta!”

“Boy don't ‘Hey Butta’ me! What did you do?” she asked him.

“I ain't do nothing!” he replies.

“Uh huh. Then why did she run past me talking about you on demon time?” she asked.

“You really gotta ask me that?” he replies with a grin.

“You know what? Bye! Ain't got it in me to go down that rabbit hole. See you Monday!” Shanelle said before she walked off. 

When Shanelle got back in the car, she and Robin just shared a look before they died laughing as they drove off. 

“Demon time huh?” Shanelle asks.

“Chileeeeeeee! That man has been on my ass!” Robin replies.

“I mean is that such a bad thing?” Shanelle asks.

“Girl! Bye!” Robin replies.

Shanelle snickered. 

“Anyways! You ready to go see Usher?” Robin asks.

“I can hear him calling me now,” Shanelle replies.

“Chile! I can't wait to see that man!”

“Look, all I know is y'all better not let me drop these twins while we’re there.”

“Speaking of, how are my babies?” Robin asks.

“Ready to come out. I'm ready to meet them.” Shanelle replies.

“I know. It's just a matter of time before they get here.”

“That time can't come fast enough.”

The two rode to the airport. Giggling and gossiping and were soon in the sky bound for Las Vegas. After touching down the girls grabbed dinner before heading to the Presidential Suite at the Bellagio Hotel.

“Look at the views! And your husband paid for all of this?” Robin asks.

“All of it baby! We will be living like Queens this whole weekend!” Shanelle replies.

“Remind me to thank your husband later. In the meantime, I’m gonna go raid the bar.”

“Have fun baby.”

Shanelle watched Robin head to the bar before turning her attention back to the skyline before her. As the sun started to set her excitement started to peak. Her birthday was in just a few hours. And she gets to spend it with her friends. Once most of the girls got there it was time to party. 

The next day was the day of the Queen. It was finally Shanelle’s birthday. And she was planning on acting a whole fool. Pregnant belly and all. She and the girls spent the day getting pampered, going shopping, and being a part of the groundbreaking for her newest hotel. Slated to open on her birthday the following year. 

Before dinner, she got a call from the two people she loved the most. Her husband and daughter.

“Happy Birthday Mommy!” Khari said to her.

“Thank you Peanut. And thank you for my card. I love it so much.”

“You're welcome, Mommy. Are you having fun?” Khari asked.

“Yes, baby I am. We've had so much fun today.”

“That's good. And when you come back Daddy and I will have a big surprise for you!” 

“Oh really?” Shanelle asks.

“Yeah! Right Daddy?” Khari replies.

“That's right my love,” Marquise said.

“Uh-huh. What did you do sir?” Shanelle asks.

“Can't tell you. It'll ruin the surprise,” he replies.

“Fine! Be that way! Oh! And thank you for all the flowers. They're beautiful.”

“You're more than welcome. Now you should go. We can hear your stomach.”

Shanelle looked down at her belly.

“Good idea. I love you both so much. Thank you for the birthday wishes. I'll talk to you both soon.”

“Okay,” Marquise replied.

“Daddy! Your phone is ringing!” Khari said to him. 

He groaned. 

“What's wrong?” Shanelle asked.

“Group chat,” he replies.

Shanelle winced.

“They giving you the third degree?” Shanelle asks.

“You have no idea,” Marquise replies.

“Yikes!” 

“Yeah…we’ll let you go. Have fun, my love. Happy Birthday.”

Shanelle smiled at him.

“I'll see both soon. I love you.”

“We love you too.”

With that, the call ended with butterflies fluttering in her stomach, and not because of the twins. 

At her birthday dinner, the girls enjoyed a full luxury 5-course meal courtesy of Marquise. Well, all except Bronwyn who was late getting there. She texted the group chat that she’d meet them at the hotel. The girls couldn't help but crack jokes about it.

“Oh no! It actually happened!” Shanelle said in feigned shock.

“What?” Dee asked.

“For the first time, Aly and Chut weren't late! Normally we’d just be leaving the show when they showed up!” Shanelle replies.

The girls died laughing as their waiter brought Shanelle’s favorite cupcakes. Red Velvet and Marble.

“Mmmm! These are divine!!” Shanelle said as she devoured hers. 

“This chocolate frosting is heaven!” Robin added. 

“We're gonna save some for Bron right?” Nina asks.

Everybody looked at each other.

“We gonna try to,” Shanelle replies with a mouth full of cupcake.

Later after dinner, the girls were all together at the hotel suite getting ready for the show.

“I can't believe we're going to see Usher!” Bronwyn squealed.

“I can't believe you were late. You broke the streak!” Shanelle teased.

“Oh, my God, Nelle! I texted you and said I would be late. I had to put out a small fire at the winery!”

“You're lucky that I love you so much. Otherwise, I wouldn't have saved you some cupcakes.”

Bronwyn hugged her.

“I love you too, birthday girl. And if I may, those cupcakes were to die for!”

“Indeed they were. Now ladies! It is time! Let's go see our husband!” Shanelle announced. 

With a cheer, the girls were out the door and on their way to see Usher. The girls were chauffeured to the venue and then taken to a private VIP lounge before the show.

“Just so we're all on the same page, Usher is gonna come through that door, right?” Aly asked.

“Yup. All tall, fine, and chocolate of him.” Shanelle replies. 

The excitement was through the roof and when Usher walked in the girls damn near melted. They couldn't get enough of him. His smile dazzled them. His voice made them hot all over. They couldn't wait to get to their seats. The show was amazing. They watched him perform on skates. And the way his body moved was hypnotizing. 

Usher was just about to change to his next song when he stopped and said, “I wanna take a moment to shoutout some very special guests. The FabBabes are in the building because it’s Queen Shanelle’s birthday so Happy Birthday Beautiful! I hope you, Robin, Desha, Nina, Bronwyn, Chutney, and Alyssa enjoy yourselves tonight.”

And when he winked at them, that did it for them. That put the girls on the floor. They didn't know what to do with themselves. When they got back to the hotel room they were buzzing. 

“So to recap, Usher basically proposed to us right?” Shanelle asks.

“Yup!” the girls replied.

“And we all said yes right?” she asks.

“YES!!” they replied.

“BEST FUCKING BIRTHDAY EVER!” 

And now it was time for act two of the Birthday Bachelorette Bash. That Saturday was all about Nina. And Shanelle was gonna make sure the girls sent her off to married life right!

They met up for brunch and then went running loose around Vegas. Exploring and genuinely having fun in Sin City. They wound up at a pool party and took over the scene. So many at the party wanted to get autographs and pictures with the girls. They were celebrities after all. Later that night at dinner, Shanelle toasted her best friend. 

“My beautiful one. My love. My Bride to be. In a few short days, you will go from Miss Nina Keane to Mrs. Sam Dalton. And I can not wait to watch it all unfold. I will get the honor and privilege to bear witness to you cementing the love you have worked hard to achieve and keep. I will bear witness to you receiving the love you have always been worthy of. I can not tell you how happy that makes me. I have only ever wanted the best for you. And baby. You found it. And the best found you. We love you. Here's to Mrs. Sam Dalton!” 

The girls toasted Nina who had tears in her eyes.

“Thank you, girls! I could not ask for a better send-off than this one. And we're not done! We're STILL going club hopping! I appreciate you all. And I love you all so much! Here's to me bitches!”

The girls cheered before heading out into the night to party til they dropped. 

The next morning, Shanelle was just walking into the living room when she was met with blue balloons and gifts galore.

“Uh, what is all this?” she asks.

“Your baby shower! Duh!” Nina replied.

Shanelle looked around in shock.

“Y’all serious?” she asks.

“No. We got presents and food for those two special boys for no reason.” Nina replied.

“Y’know I'd kick you square in your ass but unfortunately my leg can't go that high right now.” 

The girls laughed.

“Sit down Nelle. You've got gifts to open.” Bronwyn said to her.

“Yeah sit!” Nina added.

Shanelle sucked her teeth before throwing a pillow at Nina as she sat down. As Shanelle looked around at the many presents for the boys, she couldn't help but get emotional. 

“Oh my goodness! Y'all didn't have to do this.”

“Um, your husband told us we could plan your baby shower so yes we did. And with The Last Apple Ball being last week, we wanted to do something small and intimate.” Robin replied.

Shanelle smiles before looking down at her belly.

“You two hear all that? You’re being spoiled.”

“As our nephews should be!” Dee piped up.

Shanelle laughed as she wiped away tears.

“I don’t know what I would do or where I would be without you girls by my side. Thank you so much!”

Shanelle took a deep breath and then dried her eyes.

“Okay! Okay! Enough tears! I got presents to open!” 

Shanelle couldn't believe her friends did all of this. She loved all the gifts her friends had gotten for the boys. They spent the rest of the day hanging around the hotel suite and ordering room service. Later that night the girls decided to try their luck at the casino. They all split up going about the casino. Eventually, they met up at the private poker room where Shanelle and Bronwyn were killing their competition.

“How much money have you two won?” Dee asked.

Shanelle looked at her enormous stack of chips.

“More than enough to set our kids up for the rest of their lives,” Shanelle replied.

“Shanelle has been a beast since we sat down,” Bronwyn said as she raked in her chips.

“Learned from the best and now I teach others how to win, not just play.” 

The girls sat around and watched Shanelle and Bronwyn slaughter everyone that tried to beat them. 

That Monday it was time to say goodbye. And Shanelle summed the weekend up perfectly.

“Best. Weekend. Ever!” 

[grapenamjams]

Flinch

Genre:  A little angst  

Characters: Muriel from the arcana and my apprentice Eliza

A/N:  I was inspired by a “how would the main six react to mc flinching” imagine post on Instagram and i wanted to try to write my own story with my MC Eliza! :) 

a little bit about my MC

Her name is Eliza (she/her. Female.) She is 5′2 has brown wavy hair, brown eyes (with specks of green) she also has adorable freckles across her nose. lastly she has a artic fox, named Nell as a familiar who is enchanted to keep cold during the summer and whenever Nell walks she leaves behind snow prints on the ground (think of what Olaf from frozen has lol)

Eliza knew that Muriel was having one of those days were his past kept resurfacing to mind having him push her away and not listen to her reassuring words that told him he was good, that he wasn’t a monster, that he was a person that was loved and cared for by others, but Muriel would not have none of it. he turned his back to her placing his hands on top of the wooden table lowering his head.

“I’m a monster, I’ll always be one no matter how many years pass, no matter what anyone says. Deep within me I’ll always be a murderer, my hands will always be covered in blood.” He pauses shaking his head “I don’t deserve this life with you, when I’ve taken so many others, I thought it would be enough for others to forget about me but it will never change what I’ve done. it’s my punishment to remember and be alone that’s how it should be.”

Eliza tried to let him talk out his thoughts but with each word that left his mouth she felt her heart get tighter, she didn’t want him to feel like this anymore, she wanted to take all that pain he felt away from him. She was desperate to make him understand that he wasn’t that person anymore that he didn’t have to face things alone. 

So she tried again to make him see that “Muriel that’s not-“ she couldn’t finish her words, Muriel slamming his hand against the table along with his raised voice cutting her off “just stop Eliza! Stop!” Muriel turns at the exact moment when she flinches at his outburst.

Never in their time together had he raised his voice at her, had never hit something out of frustration in front of her. But now that he had, he wishes he had never done it because just watching her close her eyes and turn her head for a split second had caused Muriel’s heart to drop and his stomach to churn. images of warriors closing their eyes accepting their inevitable fate by the scourge of the south flashed through his mind. For a split second Eliza resembled them, she was wary of him maybe even scared, he was a monster after all.

Her eyes opened just as quick as they had closed, resuming her usual posture although he noticed her hands were in small fists by her side, His throat tightened “Eliza, I-“ he wanted to move towards her and bring her into his arms to apologize for what he had done, but he didn’t know if he should thinking that it would make her more scared of him. 

Eliza looks at his face for a brief moment, before biting her lip and lowering her head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. I kept repeating myself, I didn’t take into consideration that you might wanted some silence. I-i’m sorry.” She says slowly almost becoming a whisper. 

Muriel couldn’t stand it, it was just like her to apologize for something that she shouldn’t be apologizing for. It was his actions that made her flinch, it was his fault for getting frustrated at her when she was only trying to to help him and reassure him like she always did.

Eliza feels Muriel’s warmth wrap around her as he hugs her tightly. “You have nothing to apologize for. I-I’m the one that’s sorry.” Eliza instinctively hugs him back “I’m sorry for getting frustrated, I’m sorry I acted that way....I’m sorry I scared you.”

 She could hear a quiver in his voice, and her heart clenches, she shakes her head against him “you didn’t scare me, I was just surprised. I never heard your voice like that it’s all” Muriel pets her hair “and you will never hear it like that again I promise, I don’t want to ever scare you” Eliza smiles softly pushing slightly away from him to look up at him. 

she cups a hand against his cheek “you could never make me scared of you Muriel” he closes his eyes letting a tear fall and places his forehead against hers “thank you...for being here... for everything” he whispers to her, before Eliza swipes another tear away. 

[missnight0wl]

Overflow

Summary: Helena sneaks out from the Hospital Wing. She’s followed by Charlie.

A rewrite of the events happening directly after the Portrait Vault. Because MC deserved to have a breakdown right then. Also, it somehow took me almost a year to finish it, and I was close to abandoning it entirely, but here we are.

Words: 2140

June 1989

The lights in the Great Hall never before seemed to be so bright. It was hard to adjust to them after the darkness of the Buried Vault. Helena managed to lift the upper part of her body, and she looked around to check on her companions. Bill was kneeling next to Charlie and holding his arms to support him, Ben was sitting a little further with his hand pressed to his mouth, and in the middle was…

“Merula!” Helena exclaimed in a strangled voice. Without getting up, she got closer to the girl who was lying motionless on the floor with her eyes half-open. The Ravenclaw realised then that there were other students around, clearly alarmed by the whole situation. “Give her some space!” she ordered, reaching her arm as if she was trying to build an invisible barrier. “Someone call help!”

She peeked at Merula and again at the small crowd of people drawing back when she noticed Diego among them. She called his name and tried to stand up, but she tripped. She would fall if not for the Hufflepuff’s quick reaction. She still felt dizzy after travelling by the Portkey.

“Helena, what happened?” Diego asked with concern. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. But Merula is not. Could you… could you look after her? You’re friends with her, right? And I can’t… I can’t now…”

“Calm down,” he said softly. “What happened with Merula?”

“She was tortured.” Diego’s expression became even more worried. “But maybe don’t mention that. Just… just try to distract her… Until we get help…”

Right after she said it, the door to the Great Hall opened and Dumbledore came in, Snape following right behind him. How did they get here so fast? They quickly reach to them and started asking about the events of recent hours. At some point, Madam Pomfrey showed up as well. Helena had problems to focus, but somehow, she was answering all the questions, almost automatically as in some kind of trance. The Portkey, the Vault, the dragon. Rakepick, the Cruciatus Curse, the Garrotting Gas…

“I’ll find her. She won’t get away with this.”

It was Professor Snape, looking very determined to keep his promise. Everyone wanted to find Rakepick… Of course, it’s understandable. Yet, why nobody had shown such concern when Jacob went missing? Does one have to commit an act as horrible as this to get attention? Jacob did bad things, too. He put the whole school in danger because of his Cursed Vaults obsession. At least that’s what people say... Did Snape also try to bring him to justice? If so, he obviously failed. And in that case, how can he even hope to find Rakepick now?

Helena heard fewer and fewer words exchanged by people next to her. She was looking at her friends, some students she could barely recognise after seeing them occasionally in the corridors. Finally, she spotted Rowan, her eyes glistening. She knew. Rowan always knew. She didn’t need to hear the story to tell that something bad had happened. Helena got past her professors, not being entirely sure if they’re talking to her or Merula, and walked down the platform. Rowan was next to her in a moment, embracing her tightly. They didn’t speak, they were just standing there. It felt like the only good thing left in Helena’s life so she didn’t want to let it go.

“That’s enough! You know the most important thing!” Madam Pomfrey’s voice sounded over conversations. “I’m taking them to the Hospital Wing. All of them,” the matron added firmly.

“We’re gonna talk later, okay?” Helena said to Rowan, releasing her from the hug. Her friend only nodded, wiping her cheek with the sleeve.

She didn’t remember exactly how they got transported from the Great Hall. Suddenly, she was sitting on a bed in the Hospital Wing when Madam Pomfrey approached her, moving a folding screen.

“Miss Ellis, I told you to change your clothes.”

The girl looked down at her outfit. Rakepick’s outfit. Well, not exactly, of course. It all started when she was with Rowan at some second-hand shop. She found then a waistcoat made of fabric similar to the one the Curse-Breaker usually wore. Brown shirt and trousers were much easier to get. With the addition of black cloak and some belts, the costume was completed. It wasn’t a perfect copy, but the resemblance was quite obvious. At the time, she thought it’d be funny, and maybe this kind of mockery would annoy Rakepick. And even though the latter goal wasn’t achieved – rather on the contrary – Helena grew to like this silly outfit. It was comfortable.

“Who’s that girl?” she asked, looking at a tall blonde bustling behind Madam Pomfrey.

“It’s Donna, a seventh-year Hufflepuff. She’s starting practice at St Mungo’s in Autumn. I reckoned she might be needed.”

The matron was just checking on her wrist. She was touching it gently, but only now Helena realised how much it hurt.

“I’m fine, Madam Pomfrey, it’s just a wrist,” she said instead. “I think Charlie has broken ribs, and Ben was wounded in the head pretty badly--”

“And how about you let me do my job, hm?”

“I just want to help…”

“You fought a dragon, dear,” Madam Pomfrey remarked softly. “Did you consider you might need help yourself?”

Helena looked at her blankly. “Not really, no.”

She barely spoke for the rest of her examination. Eventually, she was told to lay down. When she turned on the right side, she was facing an empty room. She wished to be left alone, so it was the best alternative for cutting herself off. All the noises became incredibly annoying. The Weasley brothers must’ve tried to come to her bed because Helena heard Madam Pomfrey yelling at them. She heard Merula arguing. She didn’t hear Ben, though. Finally, she got a potion that was supposed to help her sleep.

When she woke up, it was dark and silent. Perhaps it was later the same night, maybe it was the next one already. She knew one thing for sure – she was suffocating. It was that feeling of panic that disrupted her rest. She needed to leave the room immediately. She found her wand on the side table, but she didn’t want to draw attention by lightening it up right away, so she got up and blindly moved to the exit, trying very hard to not stumble.

“Lumos!” she mumbled under her breath when the door closed behind her.

The rest of the castle was just as quiet and calm as the Hospital Wing. Helena was pacing through the corridors, feeling her breath becoming more and more steady the further she got. She was nearing the stairs leading to the ground floor when she heard footsteps which weren’t her own. Her heart started beating faster again. The confrontation with Filch or one of the teachers was the last thing she needed at the moment. She extinguished the light at the end of her wand and hid behind the nearest statue. The steps were getting closer to her, so she instinctively pressed her lips in the hope it’d help her stay quiet.

“Nell?” she heard a whisper.

The redhead suddenly appeared in her view, and they both jumped when their eyes met.

“Charlie!” she hissed at him. “You scared me to death!”

“I scared you?” he raised his eyebrows. “I’m not the one hiding in the dark!”

“I thought you’re a teacher! What are you even doing here?”

“What are you doing here?”

“I just wanted to get some air. And don’t try to distract me,” she looked at him sternly. “You should be lying in bed.”

Charlie’s face got gentler. “So do you.”

“I’m fine, I could go back to my dormitory,” she replied, crossing her arms on the chest.

“You don’t look fine.”

“I’m fine, Charlie,” she said more firmly. “I wasn’t trapped under rubble, I wasn’t tortured--”

“Nell, you fought a dragon,” he cut in. “You got hurt. Don’t say--”

“I know I fought a fucking dragon!” she snapped. “Can people stop reminding me about that?” She stared at him coldly, but Charlie remained calm which only made her feel worse. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to yell,” she said and hid her face. “I… I just really need to get out of here.”

Charlie hesitated before reaching his hand towards her. “Well, can I go with you?” Helena only nodded and grabbed his palm without a word.

They didn’t speak on their way outside. The night was warm and the air fresh. They both were barefoot, but it was actually pleasant to step on the grass. They were still quiet by the time they reached the Black Lake.

“Y’know, it’s just weird…” Helena started out of nowhere. Not because the silence felt awkward or Charlie seemed to be pressing on her. It was growing in her, and she simply had to let it go. “I imagined the reunion with Jacob so many times, and I thought it’d be the most important day of my life. That I’d be so happy, or even sad, depending on the situation, or angry.” She stopped so abruptly that her hand slipped out of Charlie’s. “But I felt nothing.”

He turned to her and watched her for a moment, wondering what to say. “D’you want to talk about what happened before Bill and I came?”

It wasn’t the first time he gave her that look that night. He knew that it wasn’t just an awkward reunion, that something had happened. Bill knew as well. Helena hoped that he didn’t blame himself for hurrying to free Jacob. That there are no reasons to regret it, to begin with. She took a deep breath.

“Well…” she started slowly. “When I entered the inner chamber, Jacob was there, in the portrait…” She swallowed hard, remembering the picture. “He was happy to see me, and I was happy too. And I was about to touch that damn column when he said: ‘You can trust me’…”

Charlie frowned. “Well, yeah. He’s your brother. Why wouldn’t you trust him?”

“Exactly! That’s what I thought! So, I asked him why would he say that. I mean, I’ve spent five bloody years searching for him, following his stupid clues which were more confusing than helpful at times… How could he think that I wouldn’t trust him after that? I fought a dragon for him, and he didn’t even ask about that! Anyway…” She lowered her voice again and bit her lip. “He started explaining himself, and then you came. That’s pretty much it. I don’t know, Charlie… It just doesn’t make any sense. None of it makes sense. And I just… I just want to scream because of that.”

“So scream.”

“What?”

Charlie shrugged. “I mean, I sometimes want to scream from frustration, too. Maybe it’s healthy to let it out. And who’s gonna stop you now?” He touched her arm reassuringly and smiled gently. “I can join you if it’ll make you more comfortable.”

And then, he inhaled deeply and screamed at the top of his lungs. The sound spread over the water, but they were far enough from the castle that it shouldn’t have disturbed anyone. Helena dithered for a moment, but she quickly joined him – a bit shy at first, but with time passing, she felt like a gigantic weight was getting off her whole body. When they both stopped, she chuckled briefly, simply because of how silly the whole situation was: two teenagers in hospital pyjamas, in the middle of the night, yelling at the Black Lake.

The second scream Helena started on her own. However, this time, it brought relief only for a while. Suddenly, everything that had happened in the Vault came back to her. All images, all words, still so fresh in her memory. And that cold look which never before was that cold... Her shout gradually became a cry, and before she knew, tears were falling down her face. Charlie had to realise it before her because in the very next moment, he was holding her in a tight embrace, speaking softly.

“It’s okay, I’m here.”

She wanted to calm down, but the more she tried, the more painful it was. Just hours ago, she had almost everything. Most importantly, she had hope. Now, it all was taken from her – and she didn’t really understand how it could’ve gone so wrong.

She buried her face in Charlie’s chest and clutched his shirt. “Why she left me?” she sobbed.

He said nothing. Partially because he didn’t have an answer for that, but also because he wasn’t expecting that it’s the question on her mind. And since Helena couldn’t see his surprised expression, she was unaware how much she exposed herself when her walls had broken once more.

[airadam]

Episode 144 : Multiples Of Twelve

"It ain't f-ing sensible."

- Strategy

I ended up completely changing the selection this month when, taking the lead from a few tracks I was considering, I decided to go with an all-downtempo selection - a continuous unbroken mix once the first lyric hits. That said, there's a serious mix of genres so you get a bunch of variety inside the hour-long show! Get yourself plugged in...

RIP to the legendary Chi Modu - the man responsible for some of the most iconic images in the culture.

Twitter : @airadam13

Twitch : @airadam13

Playlist/Notes

Duett : Video

An extremely short track to open things, just for the flavour! Duett, is a UK synthwave artist (only one person, despite the name) who has released some amazing records channeling that electronic 80s vibe. This one is drawn from the "O U T L I N E S" mini-album from last year - all tracks that were done in a day each - and is a bite-size motif that you could imagine as the sonic logo for a film company or TV station from the VHS era.

Meyhem Lauren ft. Hologram & Big Body Bes : Lexus In The Lobby

I was originally saving this for a future mix, but even though it would have fit perfectly thematically, it's so much slower than pretty much everything else that it may not have ultimately made the cut. This is an absolute gem from the original "Glass" EP, with Harry Fraud on production building an absolute vibe with a quality sample that may be familiar to German listeners and some heavy 808 action. Meyhem Lauren is of course the best MC on the cut but Hologram on the first verse definitely kicks a memorable opening quatrain!

Mikhail Chekalin : As If It Was Not From Here

Going super left-field early for this instrumental bed! Chekalin was a radically-innovative composer from Russia who was not embraced by the Soviet government - they felt his work was too "Western" and while his music was heard by some plugged-in people in the outside world, he wasn't able to tour internationally or release his music outside the USSR. Thankfully for music lovers, times have changed and the "ГАР001: Михаил Чекалин «Экзальтированная Колыбельная 1979 – 1987»" collection (don't even think about asking me to pronounce that) is now available on Bandcamp, and is a great collection of his electronic work - his own take on what could be done with the synths of the time. His sound is a worthy companion to the other greats who were also experimenting at the time, from Jan Hammer to Jean Michel Jarre.

TY ft. Rootz & Deborah Jordan : Eyes Open

It's been a year this month since TY passed and I was glad to find one of his tracks fitting into this pace perfectly, one from his excellent final LP "A Work Of Heart". He was always an excellent MC from the first to the last, and he does himself proud here, spitting thoughtful lyrics with a rapid sharp flow. OG Rootz (formerly Durrty Goodz) is a solid complement, and Deborah Jordan adds a vocal decoration that puts the whole self-produced track over the top. I do like the unexpected switch to French for the hook later in the song too, just *chef's kiss*.

Bumpy Knuckles : Step Up

If you're a real Hip-Hop geek, the highlight on this track might just be the brilliant cuts by DJ Rukas on the hook, not only sharp but incorporating a very clever manipulation of a line from the stone-cold classic "Top Billin'" by Audio Two. Bumpy Knuckles goes in with a quasi-double-time flow in typically rugged fashion over the production of BeatBanga, who gets his only Discogs credit in fine style. You can find this on the "Konexion" album, which is well worth having.

Flatbush Zombies : Laker Paper

It might not be the most conscious track in the world, but it does have the exact type of sonic energy to fit into this spot! Despite the production style (courtesy of Erick Arc Elliott) and the track title, the clue is in the name - this is a trio from Brooklyn who released this cut on their debut mixtape "D.R.U.G.S". They don't try to dazzle with a quick flow on this beat, they stick to their style and settle into it at its native speed.

Samantha James : Come Through

Even for those who might not be into a record like this most of the time, I thought that bassline and the underlying lazy drum break might draw you in! This track was one of the highlights of the 2007 "Rise" LP from LA-based Samantha James. If you like a varied electronic music album, it's one you should check out - a little house, a little broken beat, some singer-songwriter vibes, a showcase for a singer comfortable with working with different production types.

Jake One : Evelen Gravest

We bridge the first and second mixes with a beat from the man Jake One, taken from his free gospel-themed "#PrayerHandsEmoji" beat tape. It'd be worth a purchase, but for zero dinero it's a must-have!

Kano : Ps & Qs

Coming out of East Ham, London, this is one of the early breakthrough grime tracks from a pioneer of the scene. This 2004 debut 12" release was a bit hit on the underground and helped Kano build momentum into the release of his "Home Sweet Home" album. DaVinche's big bombastic beat is an iconic one - a perfect underscoring for Kano, and can still mash up a dance even today.

DJ Quik ft. Hi-C and James DeBarge : Ev'ryday

One of my favourite cuts from Quik's 2002 "Under Tha Influence" LP (which, being a relentless perfectionist, he probably hated the minute he finished it). At the time there really wasn't much, if anything, out that sounded like this, and it was interesting to hear a musician and engineer of his skill level bring that to that double-time style. That stuttering bass and the skipping drum pattern work together brilliantly, and James DeBarge coming through with that hook might just be the vocal highlight.

Strategy : LengBreak

Time flies, and it's already been ten years since the release of the "Pre-Season Training" mixtape from Salford's Strategy, who continued to build his skills in fine style. "Bleep Test" and "Kill 'Em" were the standout tracks for me, and this one kind of passed me - maybe it was my personal taste in beats, maybe it was that I just didn't smoke! I gave it another listen this month and very much deserves a proper airing. One question for those of you who partake - all these years later, how do those prices sound? 🙂

Tobe Nwigwe ft. Royce Da 5'9" and Black Thought : Father Figure

Easily one of the best and most unique MCs to emerge in years, you'll have heard Tobe on this podcast a few times before and his collective have continued to impress and to elevate their profile. This killer is from last year's "Cincoriginals" album, and it's a meeting of heavyweight MCs. The fact that Tobe holds his own against both Royce and Thought, who is widely regarded as the MC's MC, while maintaining his own style, shows that he deserves all the praise he's been getting and more. Nell on production, as always, with the heavy low end for your system.

9th Wonder : Black Album Rejects, Track 15

One more of the instrumentals that 9th Wonder brought to Jay-Z for "The Black Album" that was ditched in favour of the brand-new "Threats" beat that launched him into the consciousness of many. The "rejects" were still dope as anything though.

Children of Zeus : No Love Song

Brand new Zeus! If you know what's good for you you'll be going to place a pre-order for the upcoming "Balance" album, but we've got this as an appetiser for now. Beat Butcha provides the laid-back soulful groove on which Tyler and Konny emphatically don't give you the love song that most other artists would given the same production. If you've been following this podcast, you would have first heard CoZ in the SoundCloud days, and it's been amazing to see this Manchester crew continue to produce great music - and the rest of the world catch up!

Corinne Bailey Rae : Walk On

Representing the city of Leeds lovely, Corinne Bailey Rae is a fine musician who brings the quality every time out. Her third LP, "The Heart Speaks In Whispers", was a worthy follow up to "The Sea", and saw her pairing with Steve Brown on production. This starts with a jazz club reserve and builds from there as she offers inspiration to keep on pushing through difficult circumstances - a message certainly relevant to the current time.

Rae & Christian ft. Lisa Shaw : Should Have Known

I'd somehow forgetten I even had this one! Lisa Shaw is best known for her deep house career, but her sublime voice is a versatile one and she's also on some soulful/downtempo stuff like this Manchester production from the Grand Central Records founding duo. The "Central Heating 2" compilation might be worth owning for this alone.

Zero 7 : Spinning

We finish a coincidentally all-UK segment with a track that didn't make the cut for the original UK release of the "Simple Things" album (twenty years ago!), but I believe was on the US version (plus the recent special edition release) as well as on the B-side of the "I Have Seen" 12". Sophie Barker takes the vocal reins, and it's a beautiful song.

L'indécis x sad toï : Dog Days

For the final instrumental break, we go to the Chillhop label, which specialises in releasing this kind of material - in this case, on the "Chillhop Essentials - Fall 2018" compilation. This track is an all-French connection, with sad toï (sic) alongside Grenoble's L'indécis for a relaxed and partly-acoustic beat that suits a lazy summer day just as much as the autumn.

Scritti Politti : Brushed With Oil, Dusted With Powder

"The day began to decline" - I think many of us can relate to that feeling! One more UK track to close the episode, and this is the one that I think will divide listeners the most. Personally, I love this. It's one of those tunes where no-one seems to agree on the exact meaning of the lyrics, but when Green sings "...some keys they found there"...well, that could be read multiple ways! This was a great close to the "Anomie & Bonhomie" album, with a long instrumental outro to cool us all the way out at the very end of the episode.

Please remember to support the artists you like! The purpose of putting the podcast out and providing the full tracklist is to try and give some light, so do use the songs on each episode as a starting point to search out more material. If you have Spotify in your country it's a great way to explore, but otherwise there's always Youtube and the like. Seeing your favourite artists live is the best way to put money in their pockets, and buy the vinyl/CDs/downloads of the stuff you like the most!

Check out this episode!

[viralhottopics]

23 incredible black women whose words of wisdom you need to hear.

Trust and listen to black women. This bears repeating: Trust and listen to black women.

We have not steered you wrong yet.

We built this country with grit and grace. We are smart. We are accomplished. We are talented beyond measure. We���re leading start-ups and business empires. We’re changing narratives. We’re making art. We’re making a difference. And yet, we are left behind, ignored, and underrepresented time and time again.

But that pattern ends today. It’s time to start listening.

Here’s the three-step process for listening to black women:

Listen to what black women have to say.

Share what they say with your networks while giving them full credit.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 forever and ever.

It sounds easy. Most of you are doing it already. But in a society that’s quick to ignore or minimize the contributions of black women, it’s vital that we continue to listen and make room for their voices to be heard.

Short on black voices in your life? Start with Twitter.

Here are 23 writers, educators, artists, lawyers, politicians, actors, advocates, dreamers, do-ers, and visionaries to follow, read, listen to, and signal-boost.

1. Blair Imani @BlairImani

The voice of this black American Muslim activist is even more necessary in the wake of bigoted and shortsighted policies from the White House.

This is the America I’m proud to be a part of. #NoBanNoWall #JFKTerminal4 #NoMuslimRegistry #NoMuslimBan http://pic.twitter.com/uSYOSmaqLd

Blair Imani (@BlairImani) January 29, 2017

2. Symone D. Sanders @SymoneDSanders

She’s a political commentator on CNN and former press secretary for Bernie Sanders (no relation).

Does Sean Spicer remember he was the Comms Dir for the GOP when they blatantly opposed everything Pres. Obama wanted to do? No? Oh…ok.

Symone D. Sanders (@SymoneDSanders) January 30, 2017

3. Nell Painter @PainterNell

Painter is a scholar, author, historian, and artist. (Yes, Nell Painter’s a painter.)

In these times, in this month, Americans should heed the civil rights movement of the 1950s-1960s to combat white supremacist terrorism.

Nell Painter (@PainterNell) February 1, 2017

4. La’Tasha D. Mayes @duxfemfac

She’s a kickass reproductive justice activist and one to follow if you care about your body and what you’re allowed to do with it.

#Ohio, your state legislature wants to ban abortion at 6 weeks. Call #JohnKasich @ 614.466.3555 to veto the bill! #ReproJustice #StoptheBans http://pic.twitter.com/AGMZVYLQUB

La’Tasha D. Mayes (@duxfemfac) December 7, 2016

5. The Kitchenista @MissAngelaDavis

Miss Angela Davis, aka The Kitchenista, is a private chef, food blogger, and creator of seriously mouthwatering recipes.

Smoked gouda & chive buttermilk biscuits happened for brunch…#kitchenistasundays http://pic.twitter.com/AOz6JD4daJ

The Kitchenista (@MissAngelaDavis) February 5, 2017

6. Tressie McMillan Cottom, Ph.D. @tressiemcphd

Tressie Mc is a professor, sociologist, and expert on the high cost of for-profit colleges.

I like all the dudes assuming i don’t know who elon musk is. LOL i may get his name confused with drugstore cologne but like i’m also a PhD

Tressie Mc (@tressiemcphd) February 4, 2017

7. April Reign @ReignOfApril

Reign is the managing editor of Broadway Black and the woman behind the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite.

I miss him too. #Bigly. But y’all gotta stop calling on Obama & start calling (literally) your Congresspeople who can actually DO something.

April (@ReignOfApril) January 31, 2017

8. Elaine Welteroth @ElaineWelteroth

She’s the editor of Teen Vogue and the guiding voice behind their sweeping shift toward the inclusive and political.

Whoa. Just had a dream that I was helping Sasha Obama with a speech…for @TeenVogue ?! Let’s hope it’s a premonition.

Elaine Welteroth (@ElaineWelteroth) February 6, 2017

9. Chirlane McCray @NYCFirstLady

In addition to being the first lady of New York City, McCray is a writer, activist, and mental health advocate.

This week, I joined @NYPDONeill to announce a new hotline and more trained officers to combat sex trafficking in NYC. http://pic.twitter.com/2XLb3lGbV6

Chirlane McCray (@NYCFirstLady) February 3, 2017

10. Bree Newsome @BreeNewsome

She’s a writer, filmmaker, and activist best known for taking the Confederate flag down from in front of the South Carolina state capitol.

Wonderful to be a part of #unitedblackworldmonth @OhioState. Thank you for warm reception http://bit.ly/2oDC0HW

Bree Newsome (@BreeNewsome) February 3, 2017

11. Angelica Ross @angelicaross

Ross is a transgender actress and founder of TransTech Social Enterprises, a training, economic development, and employment program for transgender and gender nonconforming people.

I DARE someone give me a camera crew to travel America talking to Black Churches & the LGBTQ “Children of God” they tossed on the streets.

Angelica Ross (@angelicaross) January 1, 2017

12. Patrice Grell Yursik @afrobella

Yursik writes on black beauty and hair along with fashion and culture for her popular website, Afrobella. She’s also contributed to Ebony, Essence, and Newsweek.

Black Women, Hair, and Exercise. Tips From the Pros http://bit.ly/2oKE7GH via @afrobella

afrobella (@afrobella) January 28, 2017

13. Wagatwe Wanjuki @wagatwe

A former Upworthy writer, Wanjuki now writes for Daily Kos and is a fierce activist, dedicated to eliminating rape and gender-based violence.

I don’t see any Oscar nominations for rapist Nate Parker.

Good.#pettyblackfeminist

Wagatwe Wanjuki (@wagatwe) January 24, 2017

14. DNLee @DNLee5

DNLee is a mammalogist, writer, and new professor. She blogs for Scientific American.

Hi, I’m DNLee I study behavior & natural history of small mammals across urban gradients. #actuallivingscientist #womeninscience http://pic.twitter.com/UCPQJbqa6x

DNLee (@DNLee5) February 3, 2017

15. Kashana Cauley @kashanacauley

Cauley is a writer and humorist who was recently joined the writing staff of “The Daily Show.”

*sneaks into the White House* *blasts “Who Will Save Your Soul” on repeat*

Kashana (@kashanacauley) January 28, 2017

16. Dorothy Charles @dn_charles

Charles is the multiracial medical student behind #WhiteCoats4BlackLives.

How am I, a black woman, supposed to trust a doctor who is ambivalent about whether or not police are justified in shooting folks like me?

Dorothy N. Charles (@dn_charles) February 4, 2017

17. Ijeoma Oluo @IjemoaOluo

She’s an amazing writer, critic, and editor-at-large for The Establishment.

I love muting trolls. I love knowing they are so angered by what I’m saying they have to seek me out 2 try 2 silence me & they are silenced

Ijeoma Oluo (@IjeomaOluo) January 31, 2017

18. Vilissa Thompson @VilissaThompson

She’s the founder of Ramp Your Voice, a self-advocacy and empowerment movement for people with disabilities. She also created the hashtag #DisabilityTooWhite.

To ask me to separate my Black womanness from who I am for the cause (disability rights) is disrespectful- you are silencing my voice & life

Vilissa Thompson (@VilissaThompson) January 30, 2017

19. Imani Gandy @AngryBlackLady

Gandy is an attorney turned journalist and activist. She is the senior legal analyst at Rewire and co-host of This Week In Blackness’ flagship podcast #TWIBPrime.

I think as progressive journalists we should commit to using the term “religious imposition.”

It’s not about freedom.

Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) February 2, 2017

20. Danyel Smith @danamo

Smith is the former editor-in-chief of Vibe magazine and the senior culture editor for ESPN’s The Undefeated, a new digital initiative.

“The way he plays the guitar, its like the guitar must have been his friend. http://bit.ly/2oKE91h

Danyel Smith (@danamo) February 2, 2017

21. Nalo Hopkinson @Nalo_Hopkinson

Hopkinson is a fantasy and science fiction writer whose work you definitely need to add to your reading list.

Never considered before how creepy it can be to quote something an author’s characters said and attribute it to the author. #writerslife

Nalo Hopkinson (@Nalo_Hopkinson) January 28, 2017

22. Rep. Maxine Waters @MaxineWaters

For over two decades, she’s represented California’s 43rd District in the House of Representatives. Now, she’s leading the resistance in Congress.

My response to questions I’ve received about @realDonaldTrump & impeachment. In my estimation, he’s leading himself to impeachment. http://pic.twitter.com/SByVtlxltT

Maxine Waters (@MaxineWaters) February 6, 2017

23. Marley Dias @iammarleydias

You may recall Dias’ effort to collect 1,000 books about black girls. Now this 12-year-old has a book deal of her own!

Still sad that there is no woman quarterback emojiWe have but no Q.B.

Marley Emerson Dias (@iammarleydias) February 4, 2017

The best part? This is only the beginning.

It was nearly impossible to curate this list down to 23. I left off some pretty big names in favor of some lesser-known women doing big things in their fields. That’s why I pulled all of these accounts and even more you should follow into a Twitter list. When it comes to black women, there is no shortage of awesome.

We are out here.

In every walk of life. In every career. Every state and every country. We are out here. Listen to our lived experiences. Fund our research. Buy tickets to our performances. Hear our lectures. Subscribe to our channels and podcasts. Cook our recipes. But first and foremost listen. Just listen.

Read more: http://u.pw/2oDCLQX

from 23 incredible black women whose words of wisdom you need to hear.

[tragicbooks]

23 incredible black women whose words of wisdom you need to hear.

<br>

Trust and listen to black women. This bears repeating: Trust and listen to black women.

We have not steered you wrong yet.

We built this country with grit and grace. We are smart. We are accomplished. We are talented beyond measure. We're leading start-ups and business empires. We're changing narratives. We're making art. We're making a difference. And yet, we are left behind, ignored, and underrepresented time and time again.

Yes, "Hidden Figures" is winning awards, but not before the real women that the movie was based on were summarily erased from history for over 50 years. Photo by Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images.

But that pattern ends today. It's time to start listening.

Here's the three-step process for listening to black women:

Listen to what black women have to say.

Share what they say with your networks while giving them full credit.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 forever and ever.

It sounds easy. Most of you are doing it already. But in a society that's quick to ignore or minimize the contributions of black women, it's vital that we continue to listen and make room for their voices to be heard.

Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images.

Short on black voices in your life? Start with Twitter.

Here are 23 writers, educators, artists, lawyers, politicians, actors, advocates, dreamers, do-ers, and visionaries to follow, read, listen to, and signal-boost.

1. Blair Imani — @BlairImani

The voice of this black American Muslim activist is even more necessary in the wake of bigoted and shortsighted policies from the White House.

This is the America I'm proud to be a part of. #NoBanNoWall #JFKTerminal4 #NoMuslimRegistry #NoMuslimBan http://pic.twitter.com/uSYOSmaqLd

— Blair Imani (@BlairImani) January 29, 2017

2. Symone D. Sanders — @SymoneDSanders

She's a political commentator on CNN and former press secretary for Bernie Sanders (no relation).

Does Sean Spicer remember he was the Comms Dir for the GOP when they blatantly opposed everything Pres. Obama wanted to do? No? Oh...ok.

— Symone D. Sanders (@SymoneDSanders) January 30, 2017

3. Nell Painter — @PainterNell

Painter is a scholar, author, historian, and artist. (Yes, Nell Painter's a painter.)

In these times, in this month, Americans should heed the civil rights movement of the 1950s-1960s to combat white supremacist terrorism.

— Nell Painter (@PainterNell) February 1, 2017

4. La'Tasha D. Mayes — @duxfemfac

She's a kickass reproductive justice activist and one to follow if you care about your body and what you're allowed to do with it.

#Ohio, your state legislature wants to ban abortion at 6 weeks. Call #JohnKasich @ 614.466.3555 to veto the bill! #ReproJustice #StoptheBans http://pic.twitter.com/AGMZVYLQUB

— La'Tasha D. Mayes (@duxfemfac) December 7, 2016

5. The Kitchenista — @MissAngelaDavis

Miss Angela Davis, aka The Kitchenista, is a private chef, food blogger, and creator of seriously mouthwatering recipes.

Smoked gouda & chive buttermilk biscuits happened for brunch...#kitchenistasundays http://pic.twitter.com/AOz6JD4daJ

— The Kitchenista (@MissAngelaDavis) February 5, 2017

6. Tressie McMillan Cottom, Ph.D.  — @tressiemcphd

Tressie Mc is a professor, sociologist, and expert on the high cost of for-profit colleges.

I like all the dudes assuming i don't know who elon musk is. LOL i may get his name confused with drugstore cologne but like i'm also a PhD

— Tressie Mc (@tressiemcphd) February 4, 2017

7. April Reign — @ReignOfApril

Reign is the managing editor of Broadway Black and the woman behind the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite.

I miss him too. #Bigly. But y'all gotta stop calling on Obama & start calling (literally) your Congresspeople who can actually DO something.

— April (@ReignOfApril) January 31, 2017

8. Elaine Welteroth — @ElaineWelteroth

She's the editor of Teen Vogue and the guiding voice behind their sweeping shift toward the inclusive and political.

Whoa. Just had a dream that I was helping Sasha Obama with a speech...for @TeenVogue ?! 🤔Let's hope it's a premonition.

— Elaine Welteroth (@ElaineWelteroth) February 6, 2017

9. Chirlane McCray — @NYCFirstLady

In addition to being the first lady of New York City, McCray is a writer, activist, and mental health advocate.

This week, I joined @NYPDONeill to announce a new hotline and more trained officers to combat sex trafficking in NYC. http://pic.twitter.com/2XLb3lGbV6

— Chirlane McCray (@NYCFirstLady) February 3, 2017

10. Bree Newsome — @BreeNewsome

She's a writer, filmmaker, and activist best known for taking the Confederate flag down from in front of the South Carolina state capitol.

Wonderful to be a part of #unitedblackworldmonth @OhioState. Thank you for warm reception 😊🙏🏾❤️ https://t.co/Gyu3KO13G6

— Bree Newsome (@BreeNewsome) February 3, 2017

11. Angelica Ross — @angelicaross

Ross is a transgender actress and founder of TransTech Social Enterprises, a training, economic development, and employment program for transgender and gender nonconforming people.

I DARE someone give me a camera crew to travel America talking to Black Churches & the LGBTQ "Children of God" they tossed on the streets.

— Angelica Ross (@angelicaross) January 1, 2017

12. Patrice Grell Yursik — @afrobella

Yursik writes on black beauty and hair along with fashion and culture for her popular website, Afrobella. She's also contributed to Ebony, Essence, and Newsweek.

Black Women, Hair, and Exercise. Tips From the Pros https://t.co/lzJeItZTpq via @afrobella

— afrobella (@afrobella) January 28, 2017

13. Wagatwe Wanjuki — @wagatwe

A former Upworthy writer, Wanjuki now writes for Daily Kos and is a fierce activist, dedicated to eliminating rape and gender-based violence.

I don't see any Oscar nominations for rapist Nate Parker. Good.#pettyblackfeminist

— Wagatwe Wanjuki (@wagatwe) January 24, 2017

14. DNLee —@DNLee5

DNLee is a mammalogist, writer, and new professor. She blogs for Scientific American.

Hi, I'm DNLee I study behavior & natural history of small mammals across urban gradients. #actuallivingscientist #womeninscience http://pic.twitter.com/UCPQJbqa6x

— DNLee (@DNLee5) February 3, 2017

15. Kashana Cauley — @kashanacauley

Cauley is a writer and humorist who was recently joined the writing staff of "The Daily Show."

*sneaks into the White House* *blasts "Who Will Save Your Soul" on repeat*

— Kashana (@kashanacauley) January 28, 2017

16. Dorothy Charles — @dn_charles

Charles is the multiracial medical student behind #WhiteCoats4BlackLives.

How am I, a black woman, supposed to trust a doctor who is ambivalent about whether or not police are justified in shooting folks like me?

— Dorothy N. Charles (@dn_charles) February 4, 2017

17. Ijeoma Oluo — @IjemoaOluo

She's an amazing writer, critic, and editor-at-large for The Establishment.

I love muting trolls. I love knowing they are so angered by what I'm saying they have to seek me out 2 try 2 silence me & they are silenced

— Ijeoma Oluo (@IjeomaOluo) January 31, 2017

18. Vilissa Thompson — @VilissaThompson

She's the founder of Ramp Your Voice, a self-advocacy and empowerment movement for people with disabilities. She also created the hashtag #DisabilityTooWhite.

To ask me to separate my Black womanness from who I am for the cause (disability rights) is disrespectful- you are silencing my voice & life

— Vilissa Thompson (@VilissaThompson) January 30, 2017

19. Imani Gandy — @AngryBlackLady

Gandy is an attorney turned journalist and activist. She is the senior legal analyst at Rewire and co-host of This Week In Blackness' flagship podcast #TWIBPrime.

I think as progressive journalists we should commit to using the term "religious imposition." It's not about freedom.

— Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) February 2, 2017

20. Danyel Smith — @danamo

Smith is the former editor-in-chief of Vibe magazine and the senior culture editor for ESPN's The Undefeated, a new digital initiative.

"The way he plays the guitar, it’s like the guitar must have been his friend.” https://t.co/02S8YNEw1P

— Danyel Smith (@danamo) February 2, 2017

21. Nalo Hopkinson — @Nalo_Hopkinson

Hopkinson is a fantasy and science fiction writer whose work you definitely need to add to your reading list.

Never considered before how creepy it can be to quote something an author's characters said and attribute it to the author. #writerslife

— Nalo Hopkinson (@Nalo_Hopkinson) January 28, 2017

22. Rep. Maxine Waters — @MaxineWaters

For over two decades, she's represented California's 43rd District in the House of Representatives. Now, she's leading the resistance in Congress.

My response to questions I've received about @realDonaldTrump & impeachment. In my estimation, he's leading himself to impeachment. http://pic.twitter.com/SByVtlxltT

— Maxine Waters (@MaxineWaters) February 6, 2017

23. Marley Dias — @iammarleydias

You may recall Dias' effort to collect 1,000 books about black girls. Now this 12-year-old has a book deal of her own!

Still sad that there is no woman quarterback emoji😭We have 🏋🏾‍♀️🤼‍♀️��🏾‍♀️⛹🏾‍♀️🤾🏾‍♀️🏌🏾‍♀️🏄🏾‍♀️🏊🏾‍♀️🤽🏾‍♀️🚣🏾‍♀️🏇🏾🚴🏾‍♀️🚵🏾‍♀️🤹🏾‍♀️ but no Q.B.

— Marley Emerson Dias (@iammarleydias) February 4, 2017

The best part? This is only the beginning.

It was nearly impossible to curate this list down to 23. I left off some pretty big names in favor of some lesser-known women doing big things in their fields. That's why I pulled all of these accounts and even more you should follow into a Twitter list. When it comes to black women, there is no shortage of awesome.

Photo by Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images.

We are out here.

In every walk of life. In every career. Every state and every country. We are out here. Listen to our lived experiences. Fund our research. Buy tickets to our performances. Hear our lectures. Subscribe to our channels and podcasts. Cook our recipes. But first and foremost listen. Just listen.

<br>

Here's that Twitter list again. I'll be updating it often.

[silviascorcella]

Fashion Conversation: LUCA SCIASCIA

Out of the box, letteralmente: non c’è aggettivo migliore per descrivere Luca Sciascia! 

Poi, mano mano che quelle sue creazioni le scorri con lo sguardo e le esplori con il tatto, ti tuffi nei colori e ti sorprendi delle textures, indovini la mescolanza ironica di accenni d’arte, suggestioni visive e ritorni al passato: 

allora gioisci anche del posto pregiato che questa sua forza creativa gli ha riservato tra i finalisti dell’importante concorso Who Is On Next? by AltaRoma e Vogue Italia. Benvenuti nell’ unconventional fashion world by Luca Sciascia!

Raccontaci di te e del tuo background: quando è avvenuto il primo vero incontro con la moda e come è diventata la tua strada professionale?

Ho studiato Scenografia all’ Accademia di Belle Arti di Torino, ho fatto mille lavori per potermi pagare gli studi, terminata l’Accademia, mi sono iscritto allo Ied di Torino, Fashion & Textile Design. Ho lavorato per Kappa a Pechino,  successivamente come consulente per alcuni brand prodotti a Bali, dove ho avuto modo di specializzarmi sul ricamo. Ho viaggiato tantissimo, soprattutto in oriente. Il mio primo lavoro come fashion designer è stato a Torino, disegnavo Trussardi Jeans, GAASTRA e Mc Gregor, 2 brand olandesi, sono felice di essermi approcciato allo sportswear prima di arrivare a disegnare la mia collezione, ho imparato tantissimo disegnando per altri brand.

Come, perché e con quale visione di stile nasce la tua label Luca Sciascia?

Ho fondato il mio brand dopo un periodo particolarmente difficile della mia vita,  come in ogni esperienza estrema, ci sono  solo 2 modi di affrontare le situazioni o ti lasci sopraffare o lotti con tutte le tue forze. Credo che avere un sogno da realizzare mi abbia aiutato ad aprire gli occhi e a farmi capire che non c’è tempo da perdere. “Dentro” il lavoro di ogni creativo c’è il proprio vissuto, la propria esigenza personale,  sono innamorato del mio lavoro, non potrebbe essere altrimenti. Il mio stile è visionario, antitetico, contaminato.

Il proprio mondo creativo è istintivo, l’estetica è una visione personale, i materiali sono sperimentazione e l’imprenditorialità è necessaria: in cosa consistono e come accade l’armonia di questi elementi nella tua moda?

Ciò che distingue il design dall’arte, è che nel design, il progetto di qualsiasi oggetto deve essere rapportato all’uso, alla durata, all’ergonomia e alla qualità. Ci vuole una sensibilità innata, nessuno può insegnartela, quando gestisci un tuo brand, non ti occupi solo della parte creativa, ti occupi anche di quella amministrativa e di tantissimi altri aspetti tecnici. Sono 10 anni che faccio questo mestiere e ogni giorno imparo qualcosa di nuovo. Quando si sceglie un tessuto, bisogna tener presente il prezzo, la composizione, il consumo, fare un calcolo approssimativo del prezzo del capo finito, ci vuole un giusto equilibrio tra la tua parte imprenditoriale e quella prettamente creativa, a volte devi rinunciare a dei tessuti dei quali ti sei innamorato, semplicemente perché non rientrano nella tua strategia.

Raccontaci l’ultima collezione: da quale ispirazione proviene e in che modo prende materialmente forma nelle creazioni?

L’ultima collezione s’ intitola “Casalinghe Surreal Pop #moltoperbene” Ho fatto dialogare Surrealismo  e Pop  con il mondo delle casalinghe degli anni 50. C’è stato un enorme lavoro di ricerca dei materiali, a partire dai tessuti che simulano le spugnette per pulire le pentole, fino ad arrivare ai piumini per spolverare.

Un nome all’interno e uno al di fuori del fashion world con cui ti piacerebbe collaborare? Delpozo e Cocorosie

La bellezza salverà il mondo, celebre citazione con dentro una verità per chi fa moda: qual è il tuo ideale di bellezza?

Sono giunto alla conclusione che è bello tutto ciò che è credibile ed autentico. Lo stile ha di base una fisionomia, un volto, ma anche una personalità.

Se ti dicessimo "Imitation of life" (tema di questo numero di Hachi n.d.r.): tu, a cosa penseresti?

La prima cosa che mi viene in mente è la canzone dei REM: I fatti che accadono in loop e al contrario. Come on, come on No one can see you cry.

Tra i riconoscimenti ottenuti e i sogni squisitamente personali: quali sono i progetti per il futuro?

Non ho idea di quale sia il mio futuro, aggiungo per fortuna. Sono felice di aver avuto la grande opportunità di far vedere il mio lavoro.

Preferisco godermi il presente, quello che ho.

[ENGL.]

Out of the box, literally: there’s no better adjective for Luca Sciascia! As you peruse his creations by your glance and explore them by your touch, you dive into the colors, let yourself be amazed by the textures and guess the ironic blend of art hints, visual suggestions and revival of the past: then you’ll also rejoice in the noble position among the finalists at Who Is On Next? 2015, the contest by AltaRoma and Vogue Italia, he was rewarded by his creative strength. Welcome into Luca Sciascia’s unconventional fashion world!

Tell us about yourself and your background: when did the very first encounter with fashion happen and how did it become your professional way? I studied Scenography at the Academy of Fine Arts in Turin, and once the Academy was accomplished I enrolled for the Ied in Turin, the Fashion & Textile Design course. I worked for Kappa in Beijing, and later as a consultant for some product brands in Bali, where I had the chance to specialize in the embroidery techniques. I traveled very much, mainly in the East. My first job as a fashion designer was in Turin, for Trussardi Jeans, Gaastra and Mc Gregor. I’m glad I approached the sportswear before achieving my own collection: I learnt very much by working for other brands.

How, why and with what style vision was your label Luca Sciascia born? I established my brand after a particularly hard period of my life. As in every extreme experience, there are only two ways of facing the situations: you can let yourself be overwhelmed, or you can fight with all your strength. I think that having a dream to fulfill helped me to open my eyes and to make myself aware that there was no time to waste. “Inside” the work of all creative people there’s their inner past life, their private needs: I’m totally in love with my work, it couldn’t be otherwise. My style is visionary, antithetical, contaminated.

Your own creative world is instinctual, beauty is a personal point of view, materials are the issue of experimentations and entrepreneurship is essential: what do these elements entail and how does their harmony happen in your fashion? What distinguishes design from art is that within design the project about whatever object must be related to its use, duration, ergonomics and quality. You need a natural sensibility, no one can teach you this: while managing your brand you do not deal only with the creative part, but also with administration and lots of other technical aspects. I’ve been doing this job for ten years and every day I learn something new: there should be an ideal balance between the business and the mere creative aspects; sometimes you have to make do without the fabrics you fell in love with, simply because they are not within your strategy.

Describe your last collection: what kind of inspiration does it originate from and how does this imagery take tangibly form within the creations? My last collection is called “Casalinghe Surreal Pop #moltoperbene” (#veryrespectable Surreal Pop Housewives): I put Surrealism and Pop into a conversation with the world of the housewives in the Fifties. I made a huge research on materials, as for the fabrics feigning the typical sponge used to clean the pots, or the feather duster.

One name inside and one outside the fashion world you would love to work with? Delpozo and Cocorosie.

Beauty will save the world, a renowned quote holding some truth for those who create fashion: what is your ideal about beauty? I reached the conclusion that everything that is reliable and authentic is beautiful. Style has on its base an appearance, a face, but also a personality.

If I say “imitation of life” (the theme of this Hachi Mag issue n.d.r.): what comes into your mind? The first thing that comes into my mind is the REM’s song: facts happening on a loop and backwards … “Come on, come on No one can see you cry “

Among the accolades received and the exquisitely personal dreams: what are your projects for the future? I have no idea of what my future will be, and I’d add: luckily! I’m glad that I had the big chance to show my work off: I prefer enjoying the present, all that I have now.

Silvia Scorcella

[Published on Hachi Magazine issue n°4]

[grapenamjams]

waking up with you

Genre: Fluff 

Characters: Muriel from the arcana and my apprentice Eliza

A/N:  a little bit about my MC 

Her name is Eliza (she/her. Female.) She is 5′2 has brown wavy hair, brown eyes (with specks of green) she also has adorable freckles across her nose. lastly she has a artic fox, named Nell as a familiar who is enchanted to keep cold during the summer and whenever Nell walks she leaves behind snow prints on the ground (think of what Olaf from frozen has lol) 

- The Arcana is a Mobile story game where you get to choose your path and get a ending according to the choices you made. created by nixhyrdra, can be found on the app store- 

Eliza always finds waking up in Muriel’s hut a challenge. The boulders that make up the walls for the small living space limits the amount of morning light that seeps through to let her know that it’s a new day. She convinced Muriel to put a round window on top of the door sometime ago to have some natural light come in but from the fur bed in the back, the light that does come through doesn't do much good to wake her. So because of that she has to rely on her inner clock to wake her self up which in most cases works, but usually she lets Muriel wake her up when she feels the loss of warmth beside her or when she hears rustling near the fire as he puts new logs and makes sure it didn’t go out during the night. But today, Muriel woke her in a way that only happens a few times a month, rather shes only caught him a handful of times.

She feels Muriel push her hair back gently away from her face and slowly goes down her cheek with his knuckles. She tries to continue her slow breathing to make it seem that she is sleep, although its becoming harder to do so when her heart begins to race inside her chest. she feels Muriel’s finger brush against her bottom lip and rest on her chin. “Eliza.” His deep voice sounds out next to her. She feels his lips on her forehead next, “wake up” he mumbles against her and kisses her head again, without knowing a sigh escapes her, she feels Muriel pull away to look at her and she catches herself to not visibly frown at the loss of touch. Muriel chuckles “you’re gonna be late to open up shop if you stay asleep” he nuzzles his nose against hers and she can’t help but let out a small giggle at his cute affection.

 She opens her eyes to see Muriel above her sit up pink tinting his cheeks “y-your awake!” Her smile broadens at him “I thought I heard you telling me to wake up?” She sits up and stretches her arms above her letting out a groan. “I did...I mean I’m sorry for waking you! But you know the shop and all...” He rubs the back of his neck, he shyly looks at Eliza “Um...Did you....uhhh” his face goes bright red and she knows that he’s wondering if she had felt him kiss her, and as much as she wants to say yes to see his reaction she doesn’t want him to stop waking her the way he did today. “Thats okay you don’t have to apologize, I just heard your voice calling me” she leans over to him and kisses him “and I slept well thank you for asking” Eliza smiles and Muriel blinks at her for a moment confused as why she said that, but then he understands that she might have thought that he was asking how she slept not if she felt his touch and kiss. But still he stammers with his words “well...” he coughs “good. I’m glad...” he quickly turns behind him to grab something and when he comes back to face the waking girl he has a Plate in his hands. “I- uh made you breakfast. If you want.” He pouts, the red on his face turning to a soft blush on the bridge of his nose “so you don’t forget to eat...I thought you should have something before you go”

 Eliza cheeks hurt from smiling and her heart flutters “Muriel this is so nice, thank you so much! You didn’t have to” Eliza takes away the plate of eggs and sliced fruit from him and gives him a peck on the cheek. Muriel smiles and averts his gaze somewhere else “it’s nothing.” Eliza smiles at him trying to pass off his actions of care and affection as something small and not a big deal, but In turn makes her love and appreciate them even more. She shifts to make herself more comfortable on the bed “did you already eat?” She asks as she brings the fork to her mouth and takes a bite of eggs. Muriel turns to her and shakes his head “not really hungry.” Eliza frowns she feels bad eating when he hasn’t, Muriel notices and quickly reassures her “I’ll eat soon I promise. Don’t worry” Eliza sighs, for a big man Muriel doesn’t really eat a lot just the bare minimal to not waste food, a habit he kept from his time as an orphan living on the docks. but of course it still makes her worry she wants him to be healthy and enjoy life’s delicacies. She shifts closer to him, “I’ll hold you to that” she picks a sliced fruit from her plate “but for now help me eat this fruit, yeah?” He looks at her then the bright colored fruit between her fingers, hesitant at first not wanting to eat her food but after a pause he nodes seeing her face wanting him to eat something with her. “if it makes you feel better” Eliza smiles and feeds him the fruit she blushes lightly watching his lips take the fruit from her fingers. She takes another bite of her eggs and feeds another piece of fruit to Muriel.

 Once all of the food is gone, Eliza sighs happily and thanks Muriel again for the food. but then Remembers that she needs to leave soon or else she will be more late than she already is in opening the shop. Muriel quickly catches on her change of mood “what’s wrong?” He asks looking at her wanting to know why her smile had faded. Eliza goes to him and hugs his waist laying her head on his chest listening to his steady heart beat she feels the vibrations of his laugh through her when she voices  she doesn't want to leave. Muriel puts his hands around her resting his chin on her head.

 “Can’t I just stay here with you?” Her voice asks. She feels his large hand rub up and down her back. “Of course you can. But... didn’t Asra leave again yesterday and closed up early?” Eliza sighs “yeah he did. and I’m already late today... so I better get going” Muriel hums in agreement and places a kiss on her head before standing up with her. Eliza gives a final stretch and begins to get ready. Muriel steps out with Inanna so Eliza could have more room inside the hut. Before she gets ready she gives Nell a piece of bread so she can eat for now. she scratches her ear “good morning pretty girl” Nell thumps her tail against the floor waiting for more food. Eliza laughs “I’ll give you more food when we get to the shop”

* * *

Eliza followed by her familiar step through the door into the warm day, the sun slowly making its way towards the center of the blue sky. Eliza slips her satchel over her head placing it to her side and buttons her deep blue cloak around her shoulders. Her eyes wonder in search for the tall man and finds him kneeled by the chicken pen feeding the chicks from his opened left hand. As she walks towards him she notices that Muriel has his cloak on which puzzles her because he doesn’t usually wear it when he’s at home. “Muriel” She says placing a hand on the back of his head and runs her fingers through his dark hair , “I’m off” Muriel shakes the rest of the feed off his hand and stands up. She hugs him looking up at him, the large man places a hand against the side of her neck. “I’ll see you in the evening okay? I’ll bring back some food to eat together, so don’t worry about cooking” Eliza smiles and makes to step  back but Muriel stops her

“I actually need stuff from the shop... for protection charms.”

“Ah okay, what do you need? I’ll bring them to you when I come back” she looks at him waiting for him to tell her what he needs but the green eyed man only pouts and blushes a bit. “that’s-uh not what I meant.” Eliza tilts her head to the side slightly “what do you mean? You don’t need ingredients then?”

“I do... but i don’t want you bringing them to me.” He pauses for a moment. Eliza is still confused for a moment thinking what he could mean but then realization starts to come through as she realizes he’s holding on to her wrist.

 “Also you’re gonna be alone at the shop...I know there’s a protective spell around it but still...something could happen.” She looks back up to his face and sees that he still is pouting and averting his eyes.

Eliza lets out a small laugh making the shy man before her look down at her. “Muriel are you trying to say you want to come to the shop with me?” He hangs his head and nodes “yes.” He mumbles. Eliza blushes overjoyed that he wants to come with her to the shop. With the hand that Muriel is holding her wrist Eliza slips her fingers through his, holding his hand as she goes on to her tippy toes to give him a kiss “why are you so adorable?” Making Muriel’s blush reach his ears. “I’m not adorable.” He says back. Eliza goes back down and gently tugs at his hand to start walking “mmhmm sure your not, come on let’s go” she says with a laugh. She doesn't see Muriel look at her with a soft grin on his face, relaxing his shoulders as he squeezes her small hand in his letting her lead him away.

[grapenamjams]

Myrrh

Genre: Angst, maybe some fluff? 

Characters: Muriel from the arcana and my apprentice Eliza

A/N:  This is my attempt at a reversed ending for Muriel's route, at the time of writing this his endings have not been posted so I made one of my own and i was sad for the whole day :(  

a little bit about my MC

Her name is Eliza (she/her. Female.) She is 5′2 has brown wavy hair, brown eyes (with specks of green) she also has adorable freckles across her nose. lastly she has a artic fox, named Nell as a familiar who is enchanted to keep cold during the summer and whenever Nell walks she leaves behind snow prints on the ground (think of what Olaf from frozen has lol)

- The Arcana is a Mobile story game where you get to choose your path and get a ending according to the choices you made. created by nixhyrdra, can be found on the app store-

They had fought with everything they had but it wasn’t enough. How could it had not been enough?, Eliza was so sure that they could beat the devil, but as the chains tighten around her she begins to curse herself for being so naïve, so stupid- No! She couldn’t let those thoughts enter her mind now, there has to be a way out, there...there has to be, she just needs to focus, if she could just muster more energy she could-

 “Still trying to fight even when you know you’re beaten? How...pathetically amusing” the devils cold voice washes over her. “You both look like wounded animals that know they are on the brink of death but still fight against their predator, how sad you two look. I thought you both would have the decency to know when to give up.” The devil laughs “but I also thought you two wouldn’t be dumb enough to try to fight me in my own realm! Especially you.” He turns to Eliza who’s on her knees with chains covering her whole body up to her neck. “You knew i would be most powerful here and yet you still came, risking his life in the process” the devil points to Muriel who’s a few feet away from her also wrapped in chains, the devil was right she had known. and yet she brought him here, knowing what the consequences would be. She had done this, it was her fault. anything that happens to him would be her fault.

 “You done talking? Your voice Is annoying.” Muriel’s voice comes out as a dark growl making Eliza’s head snap up to him. His teeth are clenched and his eyes set on the devil with a murderous glare. The devil laughs. “So impatient. trust me, I want to get rid of you both as soon as possible. As you know I’m a busy man with a grand plan. But I am also a generous man.” The devil pauses and opens his arms “I’m prepared to offer you a deal my dear Eliza”

“You are crazy if you think I’ll do any sort of deal with you!” Eliza bites out but quickly lets out a gasp as she feels the chains tighten around her. The devil pinches between his eyes “please refrain from interrupting me, I truly do hate it. As I was saying, your magic would be beneficial to me. adds to my power, would make the merging of the realms become reality much sooner than expected.” The devil waves his hand forth lifting Eliza from the ground bringing her to him. So close that Eliza could smell his rotten breath she holds back a gag. “So how about it dear Eliza? Help me make a better world And You and your warrior lover here will be greatly compensated.” Eliza stares at his red eyes. His offer was insane, how could he think that she would ever accept his offer? Unless.. he did know. “NO! TAKE ME.” Eliza’s heart Drops. ‘No.’ She looks at the devil, a sneer growing on his goat face. His eyes flicker to Muriel who’s voice echo's in her head.

 Muriel strains against the chains. iron digging into his skin, his stomach churning at the sight of the devil before him holding Eliza beside him. “Ah so the gladiator speaks again. And what’s this? Sacrificing himself to save his magicians life? How pitiful you humans are really, throwing your lives on the line for someone else”

“LET HER GO!” He tries to stand but the chains drag him down again. The devil puts a finger to his chin. “Hmmm now that I think about it I can use this pitiful human action of yours. you could be a very good asset for me.” “NO!” He hears Eliza scream “Mur- ahhhh!” Eliza shuts her eyes in pain as the chains begin to glow and fade just as quickly. “ELIZA!” Muriel yells his heart pounding, fury coursing through him. “Really, do you not listen? I told you no interruptions!” The devil sighs “Again as I was saying, you could be a asset to me. As you already know my companion lucio was taken down by your pesky friends. So I am now in need of another to replace him and continue on with the plan. of course lucio was strong in some ways but he was weak, as are those who do things for greed and fortune. But you, my fellow gladiator you don’t want those things do you? All you want is to save your beloved Eliza, isn’t that right?” The chains around Eliza begin to glow again and she lets out a scream, tears start to flow from behind her shut eyes. “STOP! PLEASE STOP!” Muriel yells the chains restraining him. panic rises within his body at seeing her in pain, his mind is scattered He needs to stop this, there’s no other way. he needs to stop this, he needs to save her. Another scream comes from Eliza’s body “just say the words and all of this will be over. I’ll return her safe and sound to your world, I promise”

“When you return her you promise to never touch her again. You promise you will not harm her in anyway” Muriel breaths out, tears forming in his eyes. The devil nodes “agreed, no harm will come her way”

 “No! Muriel you can’t!” Eliza is shaking her breath uneven. He looks into her eyes, fear and saddens fills them, those emotions should haven never reside there he had promised himself that they would only be filled with happiness, but look, he couldn’t even manage that. He had failed, but he could make it right, when he said he would protect her he meant it. he would do anything for her, even make a deal with the devil. “I’m sorry Eliza. You have to be safe.” Her eyes widen in horror changing into desperation. “No! You said we were a team! You promised!” Tears flow down her face “We’ll figure things out together like we always have! Muriel please, listen to me! Please don’t do this!” Muriel’s own tears fall as he looks away from Eliza’s face and glares at the devil speaking the words that would save the women he loves and bind himself to a new master. “I accept your deal.” The gladiator says, the devil lets out a dark chuckle “good doing business with you.” There was a deafening crack in the throne room red lighting appears around them. But all he could her was Eliza yell his name “MURIEL!” As the chains around her body began to engulf her. “ELIZA!” He didn’t register that his own chains slackened as he ran towards her. He reaches a hand to her outstretched one but before he could grab her a flash of red appears before him blinding him. When he came too and opened his eyes everything is silent say only for the dark rumble of the grey clouds above. Muriel looks at the spot were he last saw her only to find the chains that wrapped around her on the floor and Eliza no where in sight. The gladiator drops to his knees in front of them. replaying the image of her being engulfed by the chains in his head “Where.... is she?” His voice takes a dark tone as he addresses his new master.

“Safe and sound in your world as agreed.” Muriel lowers his head and notices there’s a familiar weight to his body, he feels his neck and finds his old metal collar resting there, looks at his wrists and isn't surprised to find grey cuffs on his wrists, they are the same metals Eliza had freed him from when they had kissed for the the first time. Saddens was replaced by well known anger, the same anger he had carried for so many years before meeting her was taking place in his heart again. “What now?” He growls

“For now I have no use for you. we will have to wait till things have calmed down to try the ritual again. So I will send you back and call on you when I need you.” The devil sits on his throne and moves a hand. Chains slowly wrap around Muriel who’s still kneeling to tired to do anything. “Oh I had almost forgotten to tell you. This is a secret between you and I meaning we can’t have any witnesses.” Muriel looks up his skin rubbing against the metal. “What do you mean.”

“You called it a gift when I first gave it to you, isn’t that right? I wonder how you will feel about it now. It’s quite useful, makes it easier to clean up this whole mess” Muriel’s brain is foggy he can’t quite grasp what the devil means, before he can ask again  chains wrap around him completely and then everything goes dark.

 Muriel wakes up gasping for air, his eyes fly open being met with the darkness of his hut. It all comes back to him in a flash, the devil, the deal, Eliza. His hand shoots out to his right were she usually sleeps, but his hand comes in contact with nothing only the cold among the furs. He sits up to see emptiness, the fire has gone out, Inanna isn't in her bed. Muriel tries not to panic, ‘she's probably outside.’ He stands up, moving quickly to the door opening it wide. It was the afternoon, he raises a hand to block out the sun as his eyes get used to the light while he searches for any sign of Eliza. He reaches the chicken pen and there is still no sign of her, he feels his breath quicken but feels Inanna’s presence and turns to see her running towards him, he lets his shoulders relax a bit at the sight of her, he kneels down before her and pets her. “I’m glad you’re okay.” Inanna nuzzles her head against his hand. “Do you know where Eliza is?” He asks the wolf. Inanna steps back ‘shop.’ Her voice states in his mind. ‘Of course she’s at the shop, she’s probably working.’ He thinks, Inanna lets out a small whine. he needs to go see her, he needs to make sure that she’s okay. Without a second thought he starts running. running as fast as he could ‘Please be safe, please be safe. I’m sorry. I’m sorry’ repeating through his head as his feet take him onward.

 He goes through the back trail that Asra had made for him so he could come and go from the shop without going Into the Main Street. When he reaches the back door he pounds on the door twice “ELIZA! Are you in there?” Silence greets him, he pounds on the door again calling out for, her, Asra, anyone. But all he gets is again a still silence. tears brim his eyes as he tries to calm down his breathing. ‘Did he not keep his end of the deal? Did he lie to him? How stupid was he to believe the devil? Is she....gone?’

 “Alright! hurry back” Asra’s voice reaches his ears. Muriel snaps back to the world around him, his heart filling with hope. He runs to the front of the shop were Asra is undoing the protective spell on the door. “Asra.” Muriel says looking over his friend for any signs of injury and is glad to not find any, however there is something on his face, wariness. Asra looks at the Gladiator up and down stepping down into the street away from the shop door. “Can I help you?” Muriel is taken back at the defensive tone in his Friends voice. something starts slowly churning in his stomach. “It’s me” Muriel pushes back the hood of his cloak but the expression on Asra’s face doesn't change. “I’m sorry but the shops closed, I’m going to have to ask you to leave” Muriel freezes. not wanting to accept what his brain is telling him. He shakes his head “Asra please don’t. Tell me where-“ he gets caught off as another voice is heard a little ways ahead. “Got it! It was under the seat. I don’t know what I would do if I lost it!” Eliza comes running towards them her blue bandana in hand. Muriel’s heart leaps as he sees her stop before them. She’s alive, she’s okay. Muriel starts to take a step toward her to touch her and confirm that she really is here and okay but his blood runs cold when he sees her go behind Asra

“who is that?” She asks in a small voice

“I don’t know, but get inside Eliza.” Asra answers her.

 Muriel steadies himself  feeling like he got the wind knocked out of him as realization strucks him. “Eliza, it’s me. It’s me Muriel” he steps forward, she takes a step back from him and he tries to ignore the clench in his chest when he sees her do it. “You have to remember.” Eliza shakes her head “I’m sorry, I don’t remember you, truly” her eyes waver with something and to his horror he sees that she's scared. Scared of him, she’s never looked at him that way before hitting him with another blow to the chest. A idea  passes through his head, Frantically Muriel goes through his pockets “this- this will help!” he finds a small leather bag of myrrh and goes to Eliza opening the bag for her to smell. This will do it, once she smells the herbs all of this will be forgotten and she will remember him once again, all of their memories that they had shared won’t be lost, she’ll come back to him, his light will come back.

 suddenly his thoughts were cut off by a  dark chuckle echoing in his head. “Oh you foolish human, if only it was so simple? Didn’t I say no one could know our little secret? Those herbs won’t do anything” he laughs again “This is still a gift, isn’t it?” The devils presence leaves him taking his torn heart with him because as he looks at Eliza’s face that has no smile, no recognition of him in her eyes after smelling the herbs, his heart completely shattered around him. if the pieces weren’t going to be picked up by her, he didn’t want it. Muriel hadn’t realize that he was crying, hadn’t realized that he was grasping Eliza’s wrist until he heard Asra speak “I suggest that you let go of her right now and leave” Muriel Winces slightly but with all the power he had left with all the energy he had, he lets her go. Eliza held her hand to her chest holding the small leather bag and placing a hand over her wrist that he held, she looked over him once more, “I’m sorry” she said softly for him alone to hear and began walking up the steps to the shop disappearing inside with Asra. Muriel looks at the hand that had touched her last he could still feel the warmth of her, it still hadn’t fully settled within him that the nightmare that lived only in his head at night had just became reality.

* * *

His world was dark once more. Days, weeks, had passed or has it been years? Muriel didn’t care for all he knew it could’ve been the same day still when Eliza looked at him as a stranger, as the true monster he had always been. Everything reminded him of her inside his hut and outside. he tried to sleep to escape but quickly stopped when even in his dreams were filled with memories of her. He only let himself rest before her face would appear in his mind. Yet He couldn’t stop himself from going to the shop and watching her from afar, knowing that she was alive and happy was enough to distract him, but slowly the pain in his chest would return again, he didn’t entirely hated it, it reminded him of what he had done for her, giving her a chance at a life of freedom and he would do it again in a heartbeat.

* * * 

Eliza had been collecting wild herbs in the forest when she realized that Nell wasn’t beside her. She closes her satchel and looks around for her fox calling her name when suddenly she sees her bounding towards her, kneeling Eliza catches her in her arms. “Nell you had me worried! Where did you go off too? Hmm?” she pets her white fur. Nell barks and jumps out of her arms running again, Eliza laughs and follows her familiar’s snow prints. she reaches a clearing with a hut in the middle that’s being engulfed by the roots of a huge tree. Eliza hears Nell bark again and turns to see a very large figure come around the hut. it was a man wearing a cloak around his shoulders, underneath she could see a heavy metal collar around his neck, his large green eyes meet hers and she sees them widen in surprise. 

“What are you doing here?” Eliza swallows slowly the way he watched her makes her heart quicken. She clutches her bag strap “um, I’m sorry. I was following Nell and she lead me here” the man looks at her fox as Nell goes to him and puts her front paws on his leg asking for a pet ‘big man Friend!’ ‘Friend?!’ Eliza eyes widen, she searches the face of the man in front of her, but she can’t remember ever meeting him. So how does Nell know him? She’s pretty sure she would remember a face like his, meaning! The face of a man that lived in the woods... of course his face is handsome and attractive... although his face clearly showed how tired he was, dark bags sat under his eyes and his features had a heavy weight to them. The green eyed man pets Nell once and that was enough for the fox to stick her tongue out and smile up at him, her tail going crazy. “She-she remembers you” the man looks at her. “I’m sorry, but have we met before?” Eliza asks earnestly. He lets out a sigh “Yeah, Something like that.” he states plainly but she catches saddens behind his words. Eliza feels guilty that she doesn’t remember him at all, but with her condition it was to be expected.

“Oh, I’m sorry I probably met you a few years ago. I had a memory loss incident a few years back. But, maybe if you tell me how we met I might remember!” She smiles at him swaying on the balls of her feet. The dark haired man looks her over something flickers in his eyes before disappearing quickly, longing? Saddens?. “It’s not that...” he averts his eyes. "You don't need to know. You should go, it’s getting late.” He begins to move away but she calls for him to wait still keeping her eyes on him. “Can I know your name?” Still looking away he answers her “why?” She moves closer “so I know what to call you?” She has a small smile on her face. “Then don't call me” he grumbles Eliza can’t help but let out small laugh making the man turn to her confused at her reaction. “Well man that won’t tell me his name. Am Eliza! But I think you already knew that... anyway, I want to give you something. I can sense you haven't been able to sleep and I know that feeling perfectly well so here.” Eliza looks down at her satchel and opens it “you don’t-!” She hears the man say as she pulls out a vile and looks up at him blinking in confusion at his panicked expression. Eliza smiles “it’s alright, here” she grabs his hand gently and she feels him tense up she turns his hand over placing the vile into his large hand. She looks up to see the man staring at her in shock, his eyes looking at her like she had grown a second head. “Um. The vile is liquidized myrrh, its known to help calm and relax the mind if smelled. But one drop of this in any drink will help your body relax her eyes widen realizing how weird she sounds offering someone a vile that could help relax their bodies. “I-I’m a magician I work at the magic shop in the city with my master Asra! I promise it’s safe!” the man ignores her rambles only looking down at his hand with the vile. “myrhh...”

“Yeah! I always have some on me” she grabs a small leather bag from her satchel “I don’t know why, but it’s a familiar scent to me, i use it when I’m feeling Anxious about something and when I can’t sleep” she puts the bag away. “Muriel.” Her head goes back to the man “pardon?” His gaze softens “my name is muriel” he repeats himself. Eliza smiles at him “Muriel” she tries it out. it feels...familiar somehow, like it belongs to be said by her. “I like it” she says and she sees Muriel get a tint of pink on his cheeks. He coughs and averts his eyes “you should go.” Eliza looks at the sky and sees it darkening she pouts not wanting to leave him. “I guess I should” she steps back and calls Nell to her side. “It was really nice meeting you Muriel, i hope to see you again and I do hope the myrrh helps!” She waves at him before turning to leave. She didn’t know it then how could she? But when Muriel was watching her leave, an old forgotten feeling lit inside of him, the feeling of hope began to bloom.

[khoicesbyk]

The Nanny Affair.

The Vacation Of A Lifetime. Part 3.

Author’s Note: This fanfic right here is based off of the preview for Chapter 14. This will be four parts. First is what happens before they get to Italy. And the second, third and fourth parts will be what happens once they land. So; Talley Ho! *in my Sherlock Holmes voice*

***Rated: Mature 18+. Contains sexual content and strong language. You know? The usual from me. 😁

***Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters.

***Characters: Sam Dalton (LI) and Krystal Parker (MC). (Special appearances by my TRR MC Shanelle Dawkins, LI King Marquise)

***All Characters and names (except MC) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 2,826 words.

Yip! Yippee! It’s Part 3! (I was only going to make this a three part series but I changed my mind after releasing part 2. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

It was the evening of gala at the Cordonian embassy.

And after spending the morning and afternoon with the boys; Krystal was in her room trying to figure out what she wanted to wear.

“Decisions! Decisions! Decisions! Do I go with the black? Do I go with the fuchsia? Ooh! Maybe the coral one will work!”, she said as she looked over the options in front of her. Just then; there was a knock at her door. When she opened it; a man was standing there with a garment bag and two smaller boxes. “For you; Ms. Parker. Courtesy of Queen Shanelle herself.”, he said in a thick European accent as he handed her the items.

“Oh! Well, thank you! Tell her majesty that I’m honored!”, she said. He nodded and was then gone. As she sat them down on her bed; she noticed an envelope on top of the smaller of the two boxes.

She opened it to find a small card that read, “time to play dress up! If it’s not too much for you…trouble! ;) M.” As she remembered; she, Shanelle and Jenny used to be called TMI back in school. Krystal was T aka The Troublemaker. Shanelle was M aka The Matchmaker. And Jenny was I aka The Investigator.

They were a trip and a half back in those days.

When she opened the garment bag; she found a beautiful, off shoulder violet mermaid gown by Givenchy. In the larger of the two boxes; were a pair of black Gucci stilettos and a matching clutch. And in the smallest box; were a pair of diamond tear drop earrings and with a matching tear drop pendant. Her jaw hit the floor. She didn’t know what Shanelle’s intentions were; but so far she liked where they were headed, in terms of her new outfit.

After showering and changing; she was headed down to the lobby. One thing she was thankful for; is that the boys got ready with their dad in his room. When she got there; she was greeted by her three favorite people.

“Whoa! You look great Krystal!”, Mason said.

“Yeah! You look like a real life princess!”, Mickey quipped. Her heart melted at their words.

“Awwww! Thanks you two!”, she said as she wrapped them up in a fierce hug.

“They’re right ya know?”, Sam added after finally coming out of his trance. “You look absolutely stunning!”

“Thank you.”, she replied.

“Shall we everyone?”, he asked; and with that, they were in the transport and off to the embassy. As they were on their way; Krystal asks, “where’s Sofia? Is she sick again?”

“No. She’s coming with her dad and brother. And my parents are coming with Robin.”, he replies. Soon; they arrived and were greeted by flashing cameras and paparazzi. He offered her his arm; and they and the boys were escorted inside to the main ballroom. Upon entering the the ballroom; they were greeted by Sofia and the two families. “Well! Don’t you look absolutely lovely, Krystal! That dress is exquisite! Is it new?”, Mrs. Dalton asked. Sofia on the other hand; had her nose up in the air. “Yes. She does look somewhat put together, doesn’t she?”

“Thank you, ladies. It’s a gift from a very close friend.”, she replied. Robin walks up and has to do a double take when he sees her. With wolfish grin he says to her, “Damn Krystal! If you were trying to get my attention; you got it!”

She rolled her eyes at him but; never said a word. That’s when the Cordonian National Anthem was played; and Queen Shanelle, King Marquise flanked by her parents, Crown Princess Khari and the Royal Council enter the room. They were a very polarizing couple. Krystal was star struck looking at his majesty.

“Dammit Match! How did you get so lucky with all that tall, fine and chocolate?!”, she muttered to herself. When the two friends spotted one another; they just winked and smiled at each other.

“Dignitaries and esteemed guests. It is a true honor and privilege, to host all of you this evening. It is the hope of myself and my queen that you all enjoy yourselves tonight.”, says King Marquise. Dinner is soon served once everyone is seated. Krystal was seated in the back with the boys; per Sofia’s request.

Dinner was delicious! It was Pan Seared Alaskan Salmon topped with Colossal Shrimp in Lobster Sauce and Filet Mignon topped with Béarnaise Sauce. Served with Pan Roasted Brussel sprouts, Honey Glazed Carrots and King Oyster Mushroom Risotto. The boys were served Roman style pepperoni pizza; that was gone in the blink of an eye.

Sam soon comes over to check on them. “Well? How was it, everyone?”, he asks.

“It was awesome dad!”, Mickey exclaimed.

“Yeah! They even gave us extra cheese!”, Mason quipped.

“I’m happy to hear that boys. And; what about you, Krystal? How was your dinner?”, he asks her. “It was great! My compliments to the chef.”, she replies.

“Wonderful! Hey you two, can you behave yourselves, while I talk to Krystal for a second?”, Sam asked the boys; who nodded their heads, in response. He pulled her aside and explained, “I’m sorry that you three are all the way back here. By the time I knew where Sofia had you all sitting; it was too late to request a seating change.”,

“It’s fine. I can’t be surprised that she has us back here. She wants us out the way.”, she replied. “Looks like The Royal Family is making the rounds. You should go speak to the King while you can.”, she tells him.

With a nod; Sam disappears into the crowd of people forming around King Marquise. As Krystal takes her seat again, Shanelle walks up with her her father.

“Oh no! I thought I was done with you; when you girls graduated.”, Rev. Dawkins jokingly said to Krystal before giving her a hug. “Hello to you too Poppa D!”, she says as she hugs him back. “Boys, say hello to Rev. Dr. Rodney Dawkins Sr.”

“Hiiiiiiiii!”, they say to him in an enthusiastic greeting. He nods to them both. “So, Shanelle tells me; you’re their nanny, is it?”, he asks her and she nods her head, yes. “Well I hope they give you as many gray hairs as you Jenny and Nelle always gave me.”

“Daddy!”, Shanelle fussed at her father.

“What?! You three caused more trouble than I care to count!”, he responds to his daughter; before she rolls her eyes at him as he takes his leave.

“You look like royalty sweetie! I love that dress on you! Where’d you get it?”, she says to Krystal with a grin. “I got it from a friend! She’s always in the right place.”, Krystal replies with a wink.

“I have to ask why you’re so far back here? It’s positively lonely!”, Shanelle asks. Krystal pointed to Sofia, who was currently trying to schmooze the King as her answer. Shanelle took both notice and exception.

As the boys ran off with their grandparents, Shanelle said to Krystal. “I swear that bitch needs a good kick in the ass! Can you believe that she actually tried to treat me, like I’m not The Queen Of Cordonia?!”

“Welcome to my life! She calls me ‘the help’”, Krystal responded. “That gives me an idea! You up for some fun, trouble?”, Shanelle says with a grin. Before Krystal could answer; Shanelle was off in the direction towards her husband. That’s when Sam walks over to Krystal; with a flute of champagne in each hand.

“Enjoying yourself tonight?”, he asked as he handed her the champagne. “I am! I’m loving all of the fashion!”, she responds.

That’s when Sofia and Robin walk over. “I wondered where you wandered off to boo bear! I guess you had to keep Krystal company at some point.”, she said to them. “I mean if you wanted company Krystal; all you had to do was ask me! We could’ve blown this joint and headed back to my room for a little private time.”, he said.

Krystal grimaced at his words and Sam’s jaw clenched. Before Robin could say more; all eyes fell on the Royal couple on the dance floor; in the middle of the ballroom. “Now comes my favorite part of the night! The first dance!”, he said as the crowd clapped.

“Now; normally this dance is only reserved for my wife, The Queen. But with her blessing; I’ll be sharing this dance with another woman.”, he said as he turned towards Krystal and the others.

“Ohhhhhhhh myyyyyyyyy God! I’m so honored your majesty! I will happily dance with you!”, Sofia squealed. Shanelle glared daggers at Sofia. “Ms. Russo although I appreciate your excitement; the woman I’m referring to is Ms. Parker.”, he said as he looked towards Krystal. Who was recovering from nearly choking on her champagne.

“You want to dance with Krystal?! But your majesty; she’s so common! Wouldn’t you rather dance with someone who’s more refined? Like me?”, she said trying to convince King Marquise to reconsider. “This was a personal request from my wife. And what My Queen wants, My Queen gets. Now, if you’ll excuse me…”, he says as he starts walking past her.

Sofia is devastated and Krystal is trying not to faint. As his majesty walked closer; Krystal’s mind raced. “Ohmygod! Ohmygod! Ohmygod! His majesty is getting closer! And he wants to dance with me! Ohmygod! He wants to dance with me?! He wants to dance with me!”

With a bow; King Marquise took her right hand and asks Krystal, “Ms. Parker will you dance with me?” She was stuck for a moment. But eventually she says, “Absolutely your majesty! I would love to dance with you!”

With a final swig of her drink; she throws her glass at Robin’s chest and takes The King’s arm. For a moment; she forgot Sam even existed as she went to the dance floor. As they got closer to the center of the dance floor; she got a wink and a thumbs up from Shanelle.

And when the music started; off she and King Marquise went. “Your majesty please don’t take what I’m about to say to you wrong but; your wife is certifiably insane!”, she says to him. “Rest assured Ms. Parker; I’m used to my wife’s peculiarities. It’s honor to dance with you.”, he responds to her. She tries her hardest not to blush very hard. As they danced; Sam and Sofia looked on. She was absolutely livid and he was extremely jealous. Shanelle took notice and decided to speak with them.

“Hello you two! I hope you’re enjoying yourselves so far!”, she said to them with warm smile.

“Oh please! You can cut the crap; your majesty! That first dance was supposed to be mine! But instead! It goes to Krystal of all people!”, she sneered at Shanelle. It caused Shanelle’s smile to go from warm to icy. “I’d tread lightly if I were you; Ms. Russo! After all; I’m the one who’s not only wearing a tiara; but I’m also the one who rules a kingdom!”, she snapped back at Sofia.

“Now your majesty; I’m sure my fiancée didn’t mean what she said to you.”, Sam said hoping to quell the rise in voices. “For the sake of you, your company and the deal you brought forth; let’s hope so. Because; only one of us can convince my husband to sign onto your Nightingale Project, and it’s certainly not gonna be her.”, Shanelle said while gesturing to Sofia.

“Now; if you both will excuse me, I have to go rescue Krystal from my husband. Have a good rest of your evening!”, Shanelle says to them before sauntering towards the dance floor. Marquise notices Shanelle approaching and whispers to Krystal, “I believe this is the part where my wife cuts in.”

Krystal replies, “Dang! Just when I starting to have fun! Thank you so much for dancing with me your majesty! You’ve made my entire night! And I do hope you’ll consider agreeing to Dalton Enterprises’ Nightingale Project proposal.”

“I will most certainly consider it, Ms. Parker. After all; you made quite the case for it during our dance. Sam is lucky to have you work for him.”, he replies. “Looks like I’m just in time to rescue you, Krystal!”, Shanelle says.

“Rescue me? Why whatever for?”, she asks Shanelle. “Because; he’ll dance your poor little feet off, if I let him.”, Shanelle replied with a wink.

“Hah! Trust me; I wouldn’t have complained one bit! But in all seriousness; thank you so much Nelle! I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better dance partner.”, she says as King Marquise kisses the back of her right hand. “Don’t mind him! He’s just being a show off now.”, Shanelle said before the two embraced.

Krystal soon left the ballroom; and walked to the terrace to gather her thoughts and get some fresh air. That’s when she was confronted by Sofia. “I bet you’re really happy with yourself right now!”, she sneered.

“What are you talking about?”, she asks Sofia. “I can not believe that you had the audacity to embarrass me!”, she replies with rage in her eyes. Krystal figured out that Sofia was extremely jealous. “Are you seriously standing here; upset over a dance?”, Krystal asks.

“No I’m upset over the dance! I’m upset that ‘the help’ keeps forgetting her place! You are common! And no matter how many times you wear a designer gown; you will STILL ALWAYS BE common! Your job is to watch the boys! That’s it! That’s all! It is NOT to be dancing with his majesty! And it’s certainly not embarrass me! You’re not high society! You’ve never been high society! And you never will be high society!”, Sofia said in a venomous tone.

Just then; Sam joins them. “What’s going on here?”

“Nothing boo bear! I’m just reminding Krystal of her place.”, she says to him sweetly; before turning on her heels and heading back inside. Sam soon turns to Krystal and says, “you do realize that you dancing with his majesty was highly inappropriate; right?”

“What are you talking about?! How was it inappropriate?!”, she asks him clearly confused. “I am in VERY tense negotiations with his majesty, Krystal! Anything could tip the scales both in and out of my favor. You dancing with him If anything; it makes me and my company look desperate and weak!”, he snapped at her.

“Oh my God! You’re just as jealous as she is. Maybe even worse than she is!”, Krystal said to him. He scoffed at her and said, “No I’m not! I’m pissed that everything I have worked towards the last day and a half could all be for nothing because of you!”, he said to her in a raised tone. She was in total shock. “It’s time for the boys to get to bed. Make sure, that they are sleep before I get back to the hotel.”, he tells her; before walking back into the ballroom. She couldn’t believe what just happened. She just got her head bit off and her ass chewed out.

As she entered the ballroom; she went looking for and found the boys sitting at their table. They were indeed sleepy. That’s when the royal couple was joined by Mr. and Mrs. Dalton.

“Esteemed guests! My Queen and I would like to thank each and every one of you; for joining us here tonight! We sincerely appreciate and hope you found our hospitality to your liking. I would also like to take the time to announce that Cordonia; will officially be partnering with Dalton Enterprises on their Nightingale Project! With their company always being at the forefront of innovation; we as a grateful nation, look forward to becoming a technology and innovation hub; for years to come! We will officially be signing the contracts tomorrow after the summit is over. This is all thanks to Ms. Parker. Her engaging conversation during our lovely dance was the tipping point for me.”, King Marquise announces as he shakes Mr. Dalton’s hand.

Sam stood there in a stunned silence. She got him the contract; he’d so desperately wanted and needed. But! He yelled at and was incredibly rude to her thinking she had ruined it all for him. When he looked around for her; she and the boys were gone. They were on their way back to the hotel.

After getting the boys ready for bed; she entered her room; took her shoes off and collapsed onto her bed in a mess of tears. After crying for what seemed like forever; there was a knock at her door. It was Sam.

She just stood there with blood shot eyes staring at him. She didn’t know what to say to him. And he didn’t know where to begin his apology to her.

@txemrn @lucy-268 @choicesficwriterscreations

Stay tuned for Part 4 and the finale!

😘

K.

[missnight0wl]

HPHM Character Profile: Helena Ellis

Thank you for tagging @callmederok​ ! 😊

I’m tagging anyone who reads this and would like to organise information about their MC. Please, let me know if you do it!

Created by: @cynicaljapanophile​

General Information.

Name: Helena Sarah Ellis Age: Currently 15 Gender: Female Nickname(s): Majority of people, including her friends, call her simply Helena or Helen. During the fifth year, Charlie started calling her Nell. For family members though, she’s Ellie. Date of Birth: 23rd of June, 1973 Astrological/Zodiac Sign: Cancer Ethnicity: Welsh (father’s side), English (mother), American, possibly Jewish (maternal grandmother), Polish (maternal grandfather). Nationality: She was actually born in Cardiff, Wales, so technically she’s Welsh – even though she never lived there, only visited her aunt. Species: Human Blood Type: AB Rh- Blood Status: Half-blood Family:

Christopher Ellis, Helena’s father. A Muggle with a scientific mind who’s fascinated by the wizarding world (sometimes also terrified, especially after Jacob’s disappearance). He is is a Physics teacher in secondary school. Christopher had an older sister, Margaret, but unfortunately, she died of cancer when Helena was eight. His parents passed away as well, even before Chris met his future wife.

Alice Ellis (née Kowalski), Helena’s mother. The only daughter of Queenie Goldstein and Jacob Kowalski. True Hufflepuff, kind and hard-working. She works at the Department of International Magical Cooperation in the Ministry of Magic. Way more powerful than it seems.

Both Queenie and Jacob are a big part of their grandchildren’s life. They’re also close with Tina and Newt. Now, I didn’t spend much time on developing the Scamander family, however, I had a problem with Rolf’s existence in general as he probably should have overlapping years with Jacob and/or Helena. So I decided that Newt and Tina’s son moved to the USA, and that’s actually the relatives from the Christmas SQ. At first, it felt like a stretch, but then I decided that it’s even cute – you know, Tina went to England for Newt, and their son went back to America for his love. Affiliation(s)/Organization(s): 

The Ellis family

The Kowalski family

The Scamander family

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Ravenclaw House

Occupation(s): Student

Magical Characteristics.

Form of Boggart: Her loved ones telling her it’s her fault. Helena blames herself for many things that hurt her friends, and she fears that deep inside, they think so too. She’s afraid that everything that’s happening with the Cursed Vaults is her fault, no matter of her actions. And that Jacob might be dead because she didn’t prevent it in time. Form of Riddikulus: Probably the same people in some light-hearted situations. Like Ben thanking her for believing in him instead of blaming for everything he had gone through. That is assuming she’d be able to cast Riddikulus at all (she probably wouldn’t if she saw Jacob). Form of Patronus:  A Spotted Hare. What do they see in the Mirror of Erised?  Helena wants the most to have a normal life. Not only for the Cursed Vaults shenanigans to be over, but so they never happened. Therefore, she’d probably see herself, her hair in a neat plait, her parents not being overtired, her brother holding his cat, her diary having entries starting with “Dear diary,” instead of “Dear Jacob,”… Just an average girl with the average family. Wand(s): 

First wand:

Length: Twelve inches.

Flexibility: Pliable.

Wood: Acacia.

Core: Unicorn hair.

Description: Given by the game. It is said that Acacia wands often refuse to produce magic for any but their owner, and also withhold their best effects from all but those most gifted. Unicorn hair wands produce the most consistent magic, are the most difficult to turn to the Dark Arts and the most faithful. I feel like it’s something Helena needed at that time – something unique and powerful that chose her and will stay loyal to her.

Second wand:

Length: Eleven-and-a-quarter inch.

Flexibility: Fairly flexible.

Wood: Ebony.

Core: Dragon Heartstring.

Description: Given by the game. Highly suited to all manner of combative magic and to transfiguration. Ebony is happiest in the hand of those with the courage to be themselves and hold fast to their beliefs. Frequently non-conformist, highly individual or comfortable with the status of outsider – something that Helena has learnt over the years.

Animagus: A doggo! Pretty similar to the model in the game – just a light brown scrub. Amortentia: Her grandparents' bakery, petrichor, honeysuckle, grass, popcorn.

Appearance.

Height: Currently 163 cm (5’4”). She won’t be much taller by the end of school – pretty average 165 cm. Weight: I don’t know… About 50 kg (110 lbs)? She’s a rather slim girl. She loves to eat but she easily loses weight due to stress. Complexion (skin tone/conditions): Quite fair, probably with some acne every now and then. I mean, she’s a teenager under a lot of stress. Hair Color/Style: Her natural hair is light brown and wavy. In the fifth year, she made it darker – similar to Jacob’s shade. She usually keeps it medium length. Eye Color: Green.

Hogwarts Information.

Worst Class(es): Probably History of Magic. Not necessarily because of the subject (she actually likes to study it with Rowan, and she enjoyed study session with Ismelda), but because of Binns - as the teacher’s role is quite important to her in overall opinion. Also, she’s surprisingly not very good at Care of Magical Creatures. She’s a bit too confident due to everything she learnt at home and from grandpa Newt. She has the knowledge, but it’s not really structured. Luckily, she’s good at improvising and connecting facts. Best Class(es): Charms. Again, for a big part because of the teacher. She also likes how universal it is. Least Favourite Teacher(s): Binns. She respects his knowledge, but she hates his absolute lack of teaching skills. She also didn’t like Snape for quite a long time, but she grew weirdly fond of him. She even learnt to laugh at his jokes. Unfortunately, they’re usually not meant to be jokes… Favourite Teacher(s): Flitwick. She loves his passion, his dedication, his approach to students. She never attended any of her dad’s class, but she often imagines that Christopher and Flitwick are similar kind of teachers: infecting people with love for their subject, sprinkling it with a healthy dose of puns.

Honourable mention: Rakepick. They have their ups and downs on the personal level, but Helena admires her as an educator and a mentor. Quidditch: Meh. She doesn’t play herself. She’s pretty good on a broom, she understands the rules well, but when all the balls start flying around her, she feels lost. She cheers very loudly whenever Charlie or Andre play, but the social aspect of those events is more important to her than the game itself. Favourite Spell(s): Protego and Expecto Patronum.

Trivia.

(random facts about them, future job, face claim, theme song, etc.)

Helena has a piercing in her ear done by Tonks. At some point of the fourth year, Tonks wanted to convince Helena, Tulip, and Rowan to get matching tattoos. You know, because she was always hanging out with Helena and Rowan, she started getting closer with Tulip, and most importantly, she joined the team when they went to the Cursed Vault. Surprisingly, no one wanted a tattoo, but they agreed for piercing. And Helena was stupid enough to go first… The end result is really nice, but the process itself didn’t go as well as planned, making other girls withdrawing from their decision. Also, nobody wanted to pierce Tonks’s ear, and they stopped her from doing it herself.

[airadam]

Episode 122 : Drop It Heavy

"Scripture tell me no one excluded when rain drippin'..."

- Tobe Nwigwe

This month has been a rough one, but here we are once again with a brand new selection for your headphones and speakers! We remember the great KMG, and then sprinkle the selection with some strong UK tracks, overlook gems, rapid genre jumping, and one absolutely amazing remix. While individually there aren't many obscurities in the mix, I'll be impressed if anyone already knows every track on here...

Twitter : @airadam13

Playlist/Notes

Above The Law : V.S.O.P (Remix)

Been waiting a long time to play this one - it was quite a few years of looking to find a decent 12" copy (thanks Discogs!), and then it was one I was determined to save for an anniversary of KMG's passing. The original from the excellent "Black Mafia Life" is proto-G-Funk, but this version puts a just a touch of extra chaos (and bass) into the mix, courtesy of Cold 187um on both occasions. An ode to late-night partying and cognac, but still bringing the battle edge to the second verse, this has KMG handling the hook solo but going back and forth with Cold 187um on the mic. A much underrated tag team from the west!

Jigmastas : Too Ill (Instrumental)

I love the fact that the "Resurgence" album came with a complete set of instrumentals, just so you can get that DJ Spinna flavour undiluted - here's just a taste!

Tobe Nwigwe ft. FAT : PEEP GAME

Another #GetTwistedSundays killer! I'm bringing this Texan back for a second appearance in the last four months, with a track I think a lot of you will really enjoy. The producer Nell brings a fresh style, with some great change-ups in the beat - and the other half of the bargain is held up with skills galore. Tobe absolutely crams meaning (and syllables) into his devastating monotone flow, and his wife FAT provides a great spoken-word-like breakdown in an efficient eight-bar appearance. This is a trio of brilliant artists (along with their video crew) doing amazing things.

BADBADNOTGOOD ft. Kaytranada & Snoop Dogg: Lavender (Nightfall Remix)

Canada's BBNG first released the original version of this track on their "IV" album, but Snoop Dogg heard it and somehow knew it could benefit from his own unique enhancement! This version ended up as an inclusion on his 2017 "Neva Left" album; his added verse addressing police brutality, in addition to the controversial video, thrust it into the consciousness of a much larger audience. 

DRS : All Time High

I was reminded of this track from the new "From The Deep" LP when DRS performed it live at a Manchester International Festival event recently. He's one of the most important artists the Manchester scene has ever had, with his influence spreading far and wide - whether fully acknowledged or not. While he's now mostly known for his drum & bass work, he was of course one-third of Broke 'n' English (alongside Strategy and Konny Kon) and this album has him displaying his Hip-Hop skills over the production of Pitch 92. 

Lowkey : Hand On Your Gun

If you like politics in your Hip-Hop, then Lowkey is someone you should definitely be checking for - a British MC of Iraqi descent, he brings his worldview to the mic with strength every time. His second album, "Soundtrack To The Struggle" gives us this stinging condemnation of some of the big players in the global arms trade, with ShowNProve providing the Wild West-themed track.

Kaytranada ft. Karriem Riggins and River Tiber : Bus Ride

A nice instrumental from the "99.9%" album. The guest star Karriem Riggins gets busy on the drums in a subtle way through most of the track before showing out right at the end with a little double-time flair!

Children of Zeus : Respect Mine

"Travel Light" is now a year old and it's still getting just as much play as it did on release! Juga-Naut on production, Mr.Thing on the sharp cuts, and Tyler and Konny Kon putting it down on the mic make up a major league quartet.

Robert Glasper Experiment ft. Norah Jones : Let It Ride

As strong as this track is, it's not even one of my top three from "Black Radio 2", which speaks to just how good that album is! Mark Colenburg earns his money on the double-time drumming that you'd think had to be a programmed drum machine, setting a furious pace that the rest of the groove languidly follows. The bass and piano are low-key and do their thing without upstaging Norah Jones on the vocal of this classy cut.

Janelle Monáe : Cold War

This is an absolutely furious cut. The video is definitely worth a watch - similar to the one for Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U", it stays focused on her face for the entire running length and is packed with emotion, as are the lyrics. Clearly one of the standouts on "The ArchAndroid", with the themes of isolation and struggle articulated by one of the best artists of this era.

OutKast : B.O.B

I've been wanting to do the blend from "Cold War" to this for ages! One of my favourite tracks from this duo, this pretty much made my brain explode when I first heard it back in 2000. I was surprised to find out recently that this wasn't a big hit even on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts, but they were actively trying to go against the grain and a lot of the audience probably just wasn't ready. To me, this is Andre and Big Boi at the peak of their lyrical games, keeping up with a track that really would fit the name "organised noize" - but was actually produced by the group themselves alongside Mr.DJ. That's a real gospel choir you're hearing on the hook and the outro, a really serious guitarist letting loose all over the track, and a real MPC being beaten into submission for those drums. Stone classic from the "Stankonia" LP. Oh, and "got a son on the way by the name of Bamboo"? Well, time flies...

[The Alchemist] Cam'ron : Wet Wipes (Instrumental)

This fit the bill here as something electronic-sounding that was also half the speed of the frenetic OutKast track, allowing us to come back down to earth a bit. The Alchemist cooked up a thudding, menacing beat for what was a typically disrespectful Cam'ron track from 2006's "Killa Season". This was actually Alchemist's first MPC beat (he was a devotee of the ASR-10 up to this point) and has the chopping and aggression that is very reminiscent of a track he did years later, Raekwon's "Surgical Gloves".

The Lady of Rage : Raw Deal

I finally sat down to listen to the "Necessary Roughness" album from front to back for the first time recently, and I can confirm that it was indeed slept-on. This was probably a consequence of it being pushed further and further back by Death Row, until it finally got a very quiet release in 1997. If you'd forgotten about the skills that made her a people's favourite, here's a reminder over a Daz Dillinger and Tyrone Wrice beat, laid-back enough to give her the space to get busy. 

Glenn Lewis : Don't You Forget It (Curtis Lynch Remix)

FIRE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥! The original Glenn Lewis cut from "World Outside My Window") has always been a favourite of mine, and it's one you don't want to mess up with a clumsy remix - for example, the Desert Storm attempt with the most "missing the point" guest rap verse in music history. I can't remember how I found this one, but it stunned me - the re-interpretation is perfect. Lewis is from Trinidadian and Jamaican roots, and the move to connect with someone like London's Curtis Lynch for this remix was a natural but also an inspired move. It sounds like this one has been re-voiced rather than just swapping instrumentals, and it's a rootsy dancehall masterpiece with the drums, bass, and every single accent on point. Turn this one all the way up!

London Grammar : Non Believer

I'm not even sure what genre you'd count this as - Wikipedia claims "indie pop", but even that doesn't quite hit the mark. For me there are definite vibes of what they used to call "trip-hop" - I can imagine previous eras of Portishead or Massive Attack doing a tune like this. This track from "Truth Is A Beautiful Thing" is itself a melancholic beautiful thing, with Hannah Reid's crystal-clear vocals soaring over the moody beat.

Sean Price & Illa Ghee : 2Pac by the Locker

If you know "Juice", you know what this title is all about! I'd describe the track as "short and sweet", if there was anything remotely street about it. Sean P and Illa Ghee come through like a pair of brass knuckles as they do on every other cut on the "Metal Detectors" EP - just beasting.

Jake One : Gangsta Boy (Instrumental)

Coming through slamming like a new take on Dre's "Lyrical Gangbang", this is a monster of a beat from Jake One's "White Van Music Instrumentals". It had to be, since the MCs on the vocal version are the rugged neva smoove M.O.P.

Raekwon : Canal Street

Raekwon is one of the greatest picture painters in Hip-Hop history and this is an absolute art masterclass. From the first lines "All of our fathers is bank robbers, holding TECs/Eights of hero'n, shooting in the steps" he grabs your mind's eye and never lets it go until the track ends. Flawless street imagery all the way from "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt.II" to such an extent that the video actually takes away from it! Icewater Productions bring a fairly well-used sample in that brings the crime-flick menace the lyrical content demands. One nice touch on the production side - the sudden turn up of the volume in a matter of a beat or two in the transition from the intro to the first verse - definitely makes it hit you in the chest.

Please remember to support the artists you like! The purpose of putting the podcast out and providing the full tracklist is to try and give some light, so do use the songs on each episode as a starting point to search out more material. If you have Spotify in your country it's a great way to explore, but otherwise there's always Youtube and the like. Seeing your favourite artists live is the best way to put money in their pockets, and buy the vinyl/CDs/downloads of the stuff you like the most!

  Check out this episode!