#thread: alina and samuel

[machiavxlli]

Alina actually felt sorry for him. There was no pity, no ill-intent in her empathy this time around. She simply, genuinely, wished to take his pain away. The woman smiled a little. She moved to stand from the bed, her skirts flowing slightly. She moved to stand closer to him now, at the head of the bed. Looking down at him, he seemed harmless. Alina figured he was probably lying about not remembering anything, but now, she wasn't so sure.

Her hand shot out, but she stopped herself. "You should not move so much..." The stitches might open. His next question was a fair one. Why did she save him? What did she see in this man, that was worth saving? It was beyond politics now, beyond any sense of duty Alina tried to convince herself of.

"Because unlike Florian, I know your worth." The answer was said slowly. "I do not know what you do and do not remember, but what you need to know is that your king tried to kill you, and threw you out to die in the cold." Her hands returned to her front, clasping one another over her belly. "It's alright, you have the right to ask. And yes, a trial will be held. When you escaped, you pretty much sealed the council's opinions of you as a traitor. But I have convinced his majesty to not go through with the trial yet..."

"And since you are my responsibility, you have been brought here. This is my home, and you will remain here until you are healed." She would keep an eye on him here. The room looked all well and good, but Alina had the windows bolted shut, and the door would be locked from the outside in the night time. It pained her to treat him as a prisoner, but that's what he was.

dark eyes watched her carefully as she approached, addled mind still trying to make sense of what he was seeing. " i-- " he could recall the memories, had done nothing but play them over and over in his mind since he had awoken. but to recount them to alina, to lay out in such detail the extent to which his king had turned on him, had attempted to slaughter him as though he were an animal-- it was too much to bear. " no, i-- i don't remember anything. " samuel's voice was a hoarse murmur, gaze cast down to his lap as he spoke. " all i know, is that i should not have lived. " his hand moved, pressing to the bandage over his stomach where the knife had torn and clawed its way through flesh and sinew. " why-- why was i saved ? why was i saved by you ? " at that final question he raised his gaze again, finding alina's, the confusion he felt at his survival scrawled all over his features. " will i be expected to stand trial ? for my loyalty to him ? " him. samuel could not bring himself to speak his name. " you will have to excuse my many questions, madame-- i do not understand anything that has happened to me these past days. "

[afantasycourt]

independent multi muse rp account featuring a variety of muses from acotar, bridgerton, the witcher, marvel, and more. written by kel, 21+, she/her, uk based.

open starter tag

currently reading: fourth wing

rules & mules are under read more

MUSES.

bridgerton.

hyacinth bridgerton: florence hunt, danielle rose russell

sophie beckett: alexandra dowling

francesca bridgerton: ruby stokes, hannah dodd.

lucy abernathy: adelaide kane.

kate sharma: simone ashley.

daphne bridgerton: phoebe dynevor

edwina sharma: charithra chandran

penelope featherington: nicola coughlan

anthony bridgerton: johnathan bailey

benedict bridgerton: luke thompson

colin bridgerton: luke newton

violet ledger (bridgerton) - ruth gemmell, connie jenkins

lady danbury - arsema thomas

queen charlotte - india ria amarteifio

a court of thorns & roses.

nesta acheron - phoebe tonkin

elain archeron - lily james

feyre archeron - freya allan

rhysand - undecided

throne of glass.

yrene towers - zendaya

elide lochan - danielle campbell

aelin galathynius - skylar samuels

dorian havilliard - matthew daddario

rowan whitehorn - henry cavill

the witcher.

jaskier - joey batey

yennefer of vengerberg - anya chalotra

cirilla of cintra - freya allan

shadow & bone.

alina starkov - jessie li mei

stranger things.

chrissy cunningham - grace van dien

eddie munson - joseph quinn

nancy wheeler - natalia dyer

once upon a time.

emma swan - jennifer morrison

robyn mills - tiera skovbye

alice jones - rose reynolds

snow white - ginnifer goodwin

drizella/ivy tremaine - adelaide kane

the musketeers.

queen anne - alexandra dowling

constance - tamla kari

ninon de larroque - annabelle wallis

aramis - santiago cabrera

merlin/arthurian legends.

lancelot du lac - santiago cabrera

elaine of corbenic - undecided

lady morgana - katie mcgrath

guinevere - angel coulby

the chronicles of narnia.

lucy pevensie - georgie henley

susan pevensie - anna popplewell

wednesday.

wednesday addams - jenna ortega

enid sinclair - emma myers

downton abbey.

sybil crawley - jessica brown findlay

daisy mason - sophie mcshera

other.

hayley marshall - phoebe tonkin ( originals )

hope mikaelson - danielle rose russell ( legacies )

rebecca mikaelson - claire holt ( originals )

freya mikaelson - riley voelkel ( originals )

amy pond - karen gillan ( doctor who )

yasmin khan - mandip gill ( doctor who )

morgan stark - katherine langford (marvel)

bucky barnes - sebastian stan (marvel).

peggy carter - hayley atwell (marvel)

rebecca barnes - tbd (marvel)

RULES

RULE ONE/OOC INFORMATION Hi, my name is Kel, I'm over 21+ and use the pronouns she/her. Time zone is GMT.For now, my blog will run on a queue as I'm busy with some real life stuff. But sometimes, I may come online for an hour or two, depending on my mood. Blog is selective, private and mutual only. Also OC, multi fandom and multi-muse friendly too.

 RULE TWO/THREADS AND REPLIES  Replies can take a while to reply to, but I am not ignoring anyone. Please message if I haven't replied within a month.The best way to begin threads are through sending ask memes. I will also post open starters and maybe the occasional starter call. Not really a plotting person either; prefer to go with the flow.

RULE THREE/TRIGGERS I don't really have any triggers. That being said I will tag other people's triggers the best I can, and if I don't feel free to send a message and let me know. Don't send anon hate either. We all make mistakes and can't remember everything. Regarding shipping, I'm open to anything really. That being said, don't force any ships on any of my characters. I'll just unfollow/block if it continues to happen.

RULE FOUR/ETIQUETTE I do not tolerate any forms of hate. Racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia and any other forms of hate are not tolerated on this blog and I don't want to see any of it on the dash. It's an immediate hard block if I see anything. Respect each other, it's not that hard.

RULE FIVE/SHIPPING. Regarding shipping, I'm open to anything really. That being said, don't force any ships on any of my characters. I'll just unfollow/block if it continues to happen. I mostly ship for chemistry, but don't mind discussing ships beforehand if anyone wants to try anything out.

RULE SIX/SMUT AND MATURE THEMES Smut will not be featured on this blog. All other mature themes will be tagged accordingly and I'm pretty much open to anything except rape, incest etc.

CREDIT All gifs, icons etc on this blog do not belong to me. Credit goes to their rightful owners.

[tasksweekly]

[TASK 189: NAMIBIA]

In celebration of March 21st being Namibian Independence Day, here’s a masterlist below compiled of over 190+ Namibian faceclaims categorised by gender with their occupation and ethnicity denoted if there was a reliable source. If you want an extra challenge use random.org to pick a random number! Of course everything listed below are just suggestions and you can pick whichever faceclaim or whichever project you desire.

Any questions can be sent here and all tutorials have been linked below the cut for ease of access! REMEMBER to tag your resources with #TASKSWEEKLY and we will reblog them onto the main! This task can be tagged with whatever you want but if you want us to see it please be sure that our tag is the first five tags, @ mention us or send us a messaging linking us to your post!

THE TASK - scroll down for FC’s!

STEP 1: Decide on a FC you wish to create resources for! You can always do more than one but who are you starting with? There are links to masterlists you can use in order to find them and if you want help, just send us a message and we can pick one for you at random!

STEP 2: Pick what you want to create! You can obviously do more than one thing, but what do you want to start off with? Screencaps, RP icons, GIF packs, masterlists, PNG’s, fancasts, alternative FC’s - LITERALLY anything you desire!

STEP 3: Look back on tasks that we have created previously for tutorials on the thing you are creating unless you have whatever it is you are doing mastered - then of course feel free to just get on and do it. :)

STEP 4: Upload and tag with #TASKSWEEKLY! If you didn’t use your own screencaps/images make sure to credit where you got them from as we will not reblog packs which do not credit caps or original gifs from the original maker.

THINGS YOU CAN MAKE FOR THIS TASK -  examples are linked!

Stumped for ideas? Maybe make a masterlist or graphic of your favourite faceclaims. A masterlist of names. Plot ideas or screencaps from a music video preformed by an artist. Masterlist of quotes and lyrics that can be used for starters, thread titles or tags. Guides on culture and customs.

Screencaps

RP icons [of all sizes]

Gif Pack [maybe gif icons if you wish]

PNG packs

Manips

Dash Icons

Character Aesthetics

PSD’s

XCF’s

Graphic Templates - can be chara header, promo, border or background PSD’s!

FC Masterlists - underused, with resources, without resources!

FC Help - could be related, family templates, alternatives.

Written Guides.

and whatever else you can think of / make!

MASTERLIST!

F:

Barbara Kahatjipara (1975) Namibian - model.

Daphne Willibard (1981) Namibian - singer-songwriter.

Beate Baumgartner (1983) Namibian / Austrian - singer-songwriter.

Frieda Haindaka (1984) Namibian - singer-songwriter.

TeQuila / Tekla Iita (1985) Namibian - singer-songwriter.

Marichen Luiperth (1986) Namibian - model.

Sally Boss Madam / Sally Ephraim Keya (1986) Namibian - singer-songwriter.

Lady May / Martha Namundjebo (1986) Namibian - singer-songwriter.

Venantia Otto (1987) Namibian - model.

Odile Gertze (1988) Namibian - actress, model, dancer, and Miss Namibia 2010.

Paulina Malulu (1989) Namibian - model and Miss Namibia 2013.

Brumhilda Ochs (1992) Namibian - model and Miss Namibia 2014.

Assumpta Gahutu (1993) Namibian - instagrammer (asssumpta).

Selma Kamanya (1996) Namibian - model and Miss Namibia 2018.

Tulimelila Shityuwete (?) Ovambo Namibian / English - actress, singer-songwriter, and dancer.

Mikiros Garoes (?) Namibian - actress, singer, and comedian.

Christi Warner (?) Namibian / Liberian - actress, singer-songwriter, tv presenter, director, poet, and journalist.

Oteya (?) Namibian - singer-songwriter.

Jessica Roy-Fawl (?) Namibian - actress, comedian, and dancer.

Valeria Mununga (?) Namibian - model and Miss Face of Namibia 2014.

Stella Kavendjii / Stella Tjazuko !Naruses (?) !Kung Namibian - singer-songwriter.

Tsakana Nkandih (?) Namibian - model and Miss Namibia 2012.

Sharon van Rooi (?) Baster Namibian - singer-songwriter.

Mariane Pembe (?) Namibian - actress, tv host and director. 

Beth Haluodi (?) Namibian - actress and model.

Charmy Kurz (?) Namibian - instagrammer. 

Dillish Mathews (?) Namibian - actress, reality star, and entrepreneur.

Jessica Loner (?) Namibian - Miss Charm Namibia 2020.

Top Cheri (?) Namibian - singer and actress. 

Sharon Tjimbundu (?) Namibian - sports anchor. 

Lioness Nam (?) Namibian - rapper. 

Ashley Nangombe (?) Namibian - model.

Hambeleleni Haleshu (?) Namibian - model.

Kamoli Hangula (?) Namibian - model.

Liopa Haidula (?) Namibian - model.

Valery Shaninga (?) Namibian - model.

Ndapewa Matheus Kerau (?) Namibian - model.

Martha Kamati (?) Namibian - model.

Ndatelela Henock (?) Namibian - model.

Fabiola Mogotsi (?) Namibian - model.

Uzepa Kandanga (?) Namibian - model.

Sharene Swartbooi (?) Namibian - model.

Kenny Karamata (?) Namibian / Chinese - model.

Pefimbo Shipunda (?) Namibian - model.

Ester Mandume (?) Namibian - model.

Isadora Simone Cardoso (?) Namibian - model.

Annely Shigwedha (?) Namibian - model.

Theresia Nambambi (?) Namibian - model.

Aina Ekandjo (?) Namibian - model.

Helen Domingo (?) Namibian - model.

Sophia Petrus (?) Namibian - model.

Ndapewashali Immanuel (?) Namibian - model.

Maria Iipinge (?) Namibian - model.

Soini Ndeshi Shikwambi (?) Namibian - model.

Albertina Paulus (?) Namibian - model.

Ester Tuyenikumwe Ananias (?) Namibian - model.

Adelaide Mavara (?) Namibian - model.

Gabby Puuahee (?) Namibian - model.

Judy norma Bauleth (?) Namibian - model.

Apronia Shiimi (?) Namibian - model.

Elizabeth MbiMbi (?) Namibian - model.

Amupolo Freedom (?) Namibian - model.

Ottilie Kamusheetha (?) Namibian - model.

Hèrthä Bèrthä Uushønä (?) Namibian - model.

Brihana BriBri Lee Vries (?) Namibian - model.

Paulina Fernando (?) Namibian - model.

Salmi Joe (?) Namibian - model.

F - Athletes:

Elizabeth Mongudhi (1970) Namibian - long-distance runner.

Agnes Samaria (1972) Namibian - middle-distance runner.

Jacqui Shipanga (1976) Namibian - footballer.

Agnes Kauzuu (1979) Namibian - footballer.

Helalia Johannes (1980) Namibian - long-distance runner.

Beata Naigambo (1980) Namibian - long-distance runner.

Shirley Cloete (1982) Namibian - footballer.

Alina Armas (1983) Namibian - long-distance runner.

Elmarie Fredericks (1986) Namibian - footballer.

Lydia Eixas (1986) Namibian - footballer.

Iina Katuta (1986) Namibian - footballer.

Juliana Skrywer (1987) Namibian - footballer.

Uerikondjera Kasaona (1987) Namibian - footballer.

Tjipekapora Herunga (1988) Namibian - sprinter.

Esty Amukwaya (1988) Namibian - footballer.

Johanna Benson (1990) Namibian - paralympic long jumper and paralympic sprinter.

Lavinia Haitope (1990) Namibian - long-distance runner.

Stacey Naris (1991) Namibian - footballer.

Merlin Diamond (1991) Namibian - sprinter.

Susanna Eises (1991) Namibian - footballer.

Twelikondjela Amukoto (1991) Namibian - footballer.

Vistoria Shangula (1992) Namibian - footballer.

Veweziwa Kotjipati (1992) Namibian - footballer.

Lorraine Jossob (1993) Namibian - footballer.

Thomalina Adams (1993) Namibian - footballer.

Eveleen Kejarukua (1993) Namibian - cricketer.

Zenatha Coleman (1993) Namibian - footballer.

Lena Noreses (1994) Namibian - footballer.

Lovisa Mulunga (1995) Namibian - footballer.

Annouscka Kordom (1997) Namibian - footballer.

Lesedi Sheya Jacobs (1997) Namibian - tennis player.

Memory Ngonda (1998) Namibian - footballer.

Sylvia Shihepo (2000) Namibian - cricketer.

Wilka Mwatile (2000) Namibian - cricketer.

Victoria Hamunyela (2003) Namibian - cricketer.

M:

Ras Sheehama (1966) Namibian - singer-songwriter.

D-Naff / Naftalie Shigwedha Amukwelele (1974) Namibian - actor, rapper-songwriter, singer, and motivational speaker.

Atushe / John Namweya (1976) Namibian - singer-songwriter.

Gazza / Lazarus Shiimi (1977) Namibian - singer-songwriter and keyboardist.

Big Ben Kandukira / Venaune Ben Kandukira (1978) San Namibian - singer-songwriter and guitarist.

OmPuff / Belmiro Hosi (1980) Namibian / Angolan - rapper-songwriter and singer.

Jericho / J-Twizzle / Jericho Jerome Gawanab (1980) Namibian - rapper-songwriter.

Tre / Tre Van Die Kasie / Tretius Kauhangengo (1981) Namibian - rapper-songwriter.

Becoming Phill / Tshuutheni Emvula (1981) Namibian - rapper-songwriter, DJ, producer, composer, and editor.

Sunny Boy / Sunday Shipushu (1983) Namibian - rapper-songwriter.

The Dogg / King TeeDee / Martin Morocky (1983) Namibian - singer-songwriter, keyboardist, drummer, and producer.

Samuel Ngodji / Qonja / Tukonjela Haiyambo Ngodji (1984) Namibian - rapper-songwriter.

D-Jay / Diogene Ochs (1987) Namibian - rapper-songwriter and producer.

Quido / Le-Roy Quido Mohamed (1989) Namibian - rapper-songwriter.

Exit / David Shikalepo (1989) Namibian - singer-songwriter, keyboardist, drummer, and producer.

WilliamMustBeControl'd / Willy G (1992) Namibian - rapper-songwriter and producer.

Saint-Angelo Eimann (1997) Namibian - model and Mister International Namibia 2019.

Elemotho / Elemotho R.G. Mosimane (?) Tswana Namibian - singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer.

Luis Munana (?) Namibian - singer-songwriter, model, tv host, and producer.

Ike Adonis IXA (?) Baster Namibian - rapper-songwriter.

Ronaldo Aibeb (?) Namibian - model.

Abner Kevin Vilho (?) Namibian - model.

Perfecto Rooinasie (?) Namibian - model.

Duncan Mouers (?) Namibian - model.

Sylvester Silver Tjinotjinice (?) Namibian - model.

Mondaes Crum (?) Namibian - model.

Albert Alberto Moses (?) Namibian - model.

Julian Afrikaner (?) Namibian - model.

Shaun Eugene Speedy (?) Namibian - model.

Dennis Hendricks (?) Namibian - model.

Albert Moses (?) Namibian - model.

Theo Perez (?) Namibian - model.

M - Athletes:

Frankie Fredericks (1967) Baster Namibian - sprinter.

Harry Simon (1972) Namibian - boxer. 

Mohammed Ouseb (1974) Namibian - footballer. 

Ricardo Mannetti (1975) Namibian - footballer. 

Paulus Ali Nuumbembe (1978) Namibian - boxer.

Paulus Moses (1978) Namibian - boxer.

Collin Benjamin (1978) Namibian - footballer. 

Japhet Uutoni (1979) Namibian - boxer.

Quinton Jacobs (1979) Namibian - footballer. 

Sherwin Vries (1980) Namibian - sprinter.

Richard Gariseb (1980) Namibian - footballer. 

Paulus Ambunda (1980) Namibian - boxer.

Bethuel Ushona (1982) Namibian - boxer. 

Burton van Rooi (1982) Baster Namibian - cricketer.

Julius Indongo (1983) Namibian - boxer. 

Willbeforce Shihepo (1983) Namibian - boxer. 

Ivan Namaseb (1985) Namibian - footballer. 

Jonas Matheus (1986) Namibian - boxer. 

Ananias Shikongo (1986) Namibian - paralympic short-distance athlete. 

Willem Mwedihanga (1986) Namibian - footballer. 

Eugene Jantjies (1986) Namibian - rugby player. 

Tangeni Shipahu (1987) Namibian - footballer. 

Ronald Ketjijere (1987) Namibian - footballer. 

Muna Katupose (1988) Namibian - footballer. 

Ashley van Rooi (1988) Baster Namibian - cricketer.

Chrysander Botha (1988) Namibian - rugby player.

Lazarus Kaimbi (1988) Namibian - footballer. 

Maximilian Mbaeva (1989) Namibian - footballer. 

Virgil Vries (1989) Namibian - footballer. 

Pikky Ya France (1990) Namibian - cricketer. 

Tjiuee Uanivi (1990) Namibian - rugby player. 

Johannes Nambala (1991) Namibian - paralympic track and field athlete.

Deon Hotto (1990) Namibian - footballer. 

Joslin Kamatuka (1991) Namibian - footballer.  

Willy Stephanus (1991) Namibian - footballer.  

Larry Horaeb (1991) Namibian - footballer. 

Petrus Shitembi (1992) Namibian - footballer. 

Hendrik Somaeb (1992) Namibian - footballer. 

Des Sethie (1992) Namibian - rugby player. 

Chris Mbamba (1992) Namibian / Kenyan - footballer.

Mathias Hamunyela (1992) Namibian - boxer. 

Sadney Urikhob (1992) Namibian - footballer. 

Benson Shilongo (1992) Namibian - footballer. 

Peter Shalulile (1993) Namibian - footballer. 

Jonas Jonas (1993) Namibian - boxer. 

Wangu Gome (1993) Namibian - footballer. 

Pyry Soiri (1994) Namibian / Finnish - footballer.

Tukhula Jacobs (1994) Namibian - tennis player. 

Max Katjijeko (1995) Namibian - rugby player. 

Lesley Klim (1995) Namibian - rugby player. 

Zane Green (1996) Baster Namibian - cricketer.

Ryan Nyambe (1997) Namibian - footballer.

Isaskar Gurirab (1998) Namibian - footballer.

Chad Plato (1998) Namibian - rugby player. 

Prince ǃGaoseb (1998) Namibian - rugby player. 

Sakaria Lukas (?) Namibian - boxer.

Problematic:

Judith Mwinga (?) Namibian - model. - Has a dreamcatcher tattoo/appropriation of dreamcatchers.

[rcwens]

to do list: 

NATASJA

barbie reply

catherine starter

insta vs. finsta

ROWEN

astrid reply

luciana reply

insta vs. finsta

name task

ALINA

silje reply  ( maybe ? a new thread ? )

céline starter

lykke starter

insta vs. finsta

name task

PARKER

samuele starter

bastiaan starter

insta vs. finsta

name task

[reactionjournal]

Shadow and Bone 5

Love you Kaz

“So you set him on fire” oh my god

I like this fabrikator. I mean I probably shouldn’t this early but I love when people make stuff 😭

WAIT I FORGOT WHY THE CROWS ARE HERE I KNEW THEY WERE AT THE PALACE IT JUST DIDN’T CLICK FOR ME

“No human being should ever be as proud as you are right now.” I love them both I love them both.

“It’s like butter week.” Alina, that’s the most charming thing you’ve ever said I love you now.

AHHHH JESPER IS RIGHT THERE. WOW I PICKED A BAD TIME TO FALL FOR ALINA.

“None, in fact.” NO ALINA TELL HIM ABOUT BUTTER WEEK! ALINA!

YES JESPER. I mean... probably no Jesper, but also yes

“She’s Suli” Zoya do you just enter scenes to be racist, dude?

“Is it my size?” “You have to ask?” Kaz....

Yesss a tailor and a fabrikator, a match made in heaven get it.

HI INEJ YOU LOOK INCREDIBLE IN YOUR UNIFORM

god I was like: come on burst into applause

and instead they crossed themselves, which. is far better honestly 

ALINA: [summons the sun] Me, looking at Inej: she sure did!!!

Awww Jesper I’m glad you had a good time, bud. I know, I know, this is terrible for the mission but look how happy they are!! You deserve it. I hope no one dies.

Love to see someone pick a magical lock :hum:

Oh Mal. 

uhhhh???????? why is this religious advisor here???????????????????????

It’s silly that standing close to each other is an intimidation tactic I can only read it as sexual tension. Me: why do you want to kiss Mal? I mean, he’s cute but that’s weird for yo- ohhh.

“We cannot let him obtain that kind of power.” Yeah I thought it was weird that he dresses like a villain. 

“Listen to me,” she says, as if her next words will include instructions on killing the Batman.

“I don’t want to die with the wrong face on” oh HONEY OH GOODNESS. AH. 

...HEY WAS THAT THE FUCKING CONDUCTOR? DID THAT FUCKIN GUY JUST TRY TO KILL ALINA? No??? that doesn’t make sense???? General Zlakov? you don’t k- OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH WHEN HE WAS MEETING WITH HIM AT THE SAMUEL SEABURY MOMENT. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

KAZ BREKKER I LOVE YOU SO MUCH GOD FUCKING DAMN YOU KNEW IN AN INSTANT WHAT A FUN TWIST. OCEAN’S 11 HEIST

oOOOOH good EYE whoever that was across the balcony!!!

.....Kirigan you fuckin suck, man. WAIT IS HE GONNA KILL MAL. OH OH OH WOW WOW WOW INTRIGUE TAKE HIM TO THE LADY YES GOOD YOU DID IT 

Wow, great reactions, Mal. You are real good at surviving, my guy. Hey what kind of Grisha is- OH SHE’S A FABRIKATOR???OH MY GOD HE FUCKIN SMACKED HER WITH THAT BAR. Wow. This shit popping off.

Alina, I love you and I understand this is all very exciting and look I’m not here to harsh your vibe, you saw me congratulating Jesper on his nice time having sex, but buddy please stop kissing this man literally anyone else would be better-....no except the Conductor, also do not kiss him. Your tailor! Mal! Those girls you hang out with! Jespe- wait is Jesper gay or bisexual? he’s gay isn’t he. Anyway, leave this man alone please.

THEY KISSED AGAIN. LOOK BUDDY I am HAPPY you’re having fun but not the time. 

Also can you even attack with your light balls? Like, they’re good! It’s important! I haven’t seen you do one offensive magic. Well... that general is offended by your magic, but. OKAY GOOD YES BHAGRA TELL HER. “Did he want you dependent on him and his fabrikator’s tricky little gloves.” Ohhhhhhhhh that’s devious as HELL WOW CLEVER FUCKIN TRICK. 

“He IS the Black Heretic” WHAT???????

SHE’S HIS FUCKING MOM? SHE’S HIS MOM??????? HE LETS HER LIVE????? HE LETS HER LIVE HIS MOM???? SHE’S RIGHT THERE????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

this is why her hut is so dark huh.

....the volcra were people. I didn’t even think about what they were I haven’t had time. 

honey I’m sorry you kissed that bad man I know he’s hot but I’m sorry

omg Kaz is still being chased by this guy lmao 

“You’re like a wounded spider in my house.” That’s Kaz Brekker, my guy. You’re millimeters away from death.

HAHA KAZ FUCKING BREKKER! Ah damn bad bet.

INEJ my beloved I am so sorry. Immaculate throw. Inej you’re so hot. 

Inej honey I’m so sorry. She left her saint 😦

oh wow he’s gonna be so mad. OH SHE GOT TO THE STABLES. ALINA. 

can she do the sun blade yet? I assume that’s what the thread of “the dark blade is only for emergencies” leads to

Oh he knows she’s his mom. Why does he let her live???? Oh, he thinks he’s smarter than her. Yeah that scans. Wait how old is she?

“I’d wager you’d need a skilled tracker to find her now.” HAHA what a fucking gloat.

....Jesper.............JESPER DID YOU JUST LUCK OUT HAHA OH MY GOD. Wow. The two thirstiest characters just lucking out together. Thirst solidarity. Brings a tear to my eye. I’m not here to advocate for getting laid over supporting your chums, but.... 🤷‍♀️it’s what the saints supported, apparently!

COULD NOT be happier for Jesper. TRULY a Jesper blessed episode.

[njawaidofficial]

Oscar Parties 2018: The Complete Events Guide (Updating)

https://styleveryday.com/2018/02/26/oscar-parties-2018-the-complete-events-guide-updating/

Oscar Parties 2018: The Complete Events Guide (Updating)

Check out where nominees like Timothee Chalamet and Mary J. Blige will be partying in the days leading up to the milestone 90th anniversary Oscar telecast.

Navigate your way to behind the velvet ropes at the top entertainment industry events with the Oscar parties 2018 guide.

SATURDAY, FEB. 25 – MARCH 2

Four Seasons Screening Series Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 300 S. Doheny Dr., Los Angeles, daily The hotel hosts its Oscar Dinner and a Movie series, with Oscar-nominated films in the Screening Room, leading up to Academy Awards.

TUESDAY, FEB. 27

ICON MANN 6th Annual Pre-Oscar Dinner Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills Cheryl Boone Isaacs will be honored at this event by ICON MANN, which is also presenting panels and a cocktail event. Schedule: 12 p.m. ‘In Conversation With…” Cheryl Boone Isaacs moderated by filmmaker Reginald Hudlin at SAG/AFTRA headquarters; 1:30 p.m. “The Art of Creation” discussion with filmmakers and cast (TBA) from Black Panther at SAG/AFTRA headquarters; 6 p.m. evening event at Beverly Wilshire hosted by Cedric the Entertainer with Quincy Jones, Halle Berry, Common, Lee Daniels, Hudlin, Franklin Leonard,  nominee Dee Rees, nominee Raphael Saadiq, Charles D. King, nominee Kobe Bryant, Paula Wagner, Terrence Howard, Jay Ellis, French Montana, John Singleton, nominee Yance Ford, Nia Long, Jeremy Kleiner, TV Academy Chairman and CEO Hayma Washington, ABC president Channing Dungey, Ava Duvernay, Jada Pinkett Smith and more. Performance by ELEW.  

Oscar Week: Shorts Samuel Goldwyn Theater, 8949 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills Hosted by director Taika Waititi, this official Academy event shines a spotlight on animated short film and live action short film categories with complete screenings of all the nominated films as well as onstage panel discussions with the filmmakers (schedules permitting).

EMILY’s List “Resist, Run, Win” Panel and Brunch Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 300 S. Doheny Dr., Los Angeles, 9-11 a.m. The Washington, D.C.-based political action committee dedicated to electing more pro-choice Democratic women to national, state and local office is presenting this special event featuring Hollywood and political advocates and candidates in a conversation about women in power as well as female political candidates. Host committee and panelists include Chelsea Handler (moderator), Padma Lakshmi, Jaime King, Constance Wu, Kathryn Hahn, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, James L. Brooks, Moby, Lindsay Shookus, Maha Dakhil, Yvette Nicole Brown, Wendy Greuel, Ari Graynor, Danai Gurira, Lea DeLaria, BBC America President Sarah Barnett, UTA’s Rene Jones, ICM Partners’ Hannah Linkenhoker, and CAA’s Maha Dakhil.

An Unforgettable Evening Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 6:30 p.m. Jennifer Hudson and Sofia Vergara are poised to have an unforgettable Oscars week. Presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, this James Corden-hosted event benefits the Women’s Cancer Research Fund, a program of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson will receive the Nat King Cole Award, Emmy nominee Sofia Vergara will accept the Courage Award and Grammy winner Pitbull will perform, all in front of a starry crowd that could include honorary chairs Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg, along with WCRF co-founders Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow, Marion Laurie, Kelly Chapman Meyer and Jamie Tisch.

Forevermark Forevermark Diamond House, Beverly Hills, through March 3 Exclusive, invite-only home event for private viewing of the 2018 Oscars Red Carpet Collection. 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 28

Oscar Week: Documentaries Samuel Goldwyn Theater, 8949 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills Hosted by Academy documentary branch governors Kate Amend and Roger Ross Williams, this evening will shine a spotlight on all the films in the documentary feature and documentary short subject categories. Selections will be presented in an evening of clips and onstage discussions with the filmmakers (schedules permitting).

The Oscar Concert presented with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave., Los Angeles, 8 p.m. With Thomas Wilkins, conductor, Terence Blanchard, trumpet, and other special guests, this special event helps celebrate the Oscars and its 90th birthday. On the program: the LA Phil will present suites from each of this year’s original score Oscar nominees: Dunkirk, by Hans Zimmer; Phantom Thread, by Jonny Greenwood; The Shape of Water, by Alexandre Desplat; Star Wars: The Last Jedi, by John Williams; and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, by Carter Burwell.

Vanity Fair, Barneys New York & Sony Pictures Classics Celebrate Call Me By Your Name  Chateau Marmont, 8221 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles A private cocktail party for cast, filmmakers and friends of the film. 

Global Green’s 15th Annual Pre-Oscar Party Neuehouse Hollywood, 6121 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, 6 p.m. Eco-conscious guests will fill this event along with a list of honorees that includes Jaka Bizilj, founder, Cinema for Peace; and Terry Tamminen, founder of Energy Independent Now and CEO of the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. Expected: Sophia Bush, Cobie Smulders, Elisabeth Rohm, Ed Begley Jr., Sharon Lawrence, Ed O’Neill, Jason Lewis, among others. 

Oscar’s Sistahs Soiree Beverly Wilshire, 9500 Wilshire Blvd. Alfre Woodard hosts this annual gathering that features her friends, colleagues and peers in the business as they come together to honor women of color. Honorees include Mary J. Blige (Mudbound), Octavia Spencer (The Shape of Water) and the cast of Girls Trip, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Regina Hall and Tiffany Haddish.

THURSDAY, MARCH 1

Dorothy Arzner Building Dedication Ceremony Paramount Pictures Studios, 5555 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 2:30 p.m. Paramount is hosting a dedication ceremony honoring the trailblazing female director Dorothy Arzner. Special guest Francis Ford Coppola. 

Oscar Week: Animated Features Samuel Goldwyn Theater, 8949 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 7:30 p.m. Hosted by directors Byron Howard and Rich Moore, and producer Clark Spencer, this event features nominees in the animated feature film category (schedules permitting) who will be on hand to discuss their creative processes and present clips illustrating their techniques.

Kari Feinstein’s Pre-Oscars Style Lounge Andaz West Hollywood, 8401 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, through March 2, 12-6 p.m. daily Sponsors Include Petcube, Maidenform, Votivo, HOKA ONE ONE, Babor, Alina Z, Samba Sol, Honig Wine, Moon Palace Jamaica, Swanky Retreats, Mane & Tail, and Pinkbox Doughnuts.

Netflix Private residence, 6:30 p.m. Ted Sarandos and wife Nicole Avant open their Hancock Park home for a private, invite-only affair to celebrate the streamer’s nominations including nods for Mudbound, Strong Island, On Body and Soul and Heroin(e).

Universal, Focus Features, DreamWorks Animation Spago, 176 N. Camden Dr., Beverly Hills, 8:30 p.m. The studio teams come together to toast the Academy’s recognition of such films as Get Out, Phantom Thread, Darkest Hour and Victoria & Abdul.

13th Annual Oscar Wilde Awards Bad Robot, 1221 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, 7:30 p.m. J.J. Abrams emcees this every year on behalf of the U.S. Ireland-Alliance. Set for top honors this year are Mark Hamill, Barry Keoghan, Paula Malcomson and Catherine O’Hara. Colin Farrell will present to Keoghan, Martin Short will hand off to O’Hara. Expected guests: The Academic, Kathy Griffin, Sean Hayes, Luke Hemsworth, Rian Johnson, Maura Tierney, Joe Wright and Ava DuVernay. 

Swarovski London West Hollywood, 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Nadja Swarovski hosts this awards season celebration which will showcase a “display of collaborations in stage and screen, Atelier Swarovski, Swarovski Crystal Palace and SS19 innovations and trends,” per the invite. 

Dolby London West Hollywood, Penthouse, 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, 7-11 p.m. Dolby toasts Oscar nominees for their achievements in sound mixing, sound editing and cinematography. 

Cadillac Oscar Party Chateau Marmont, 8221 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, 8 p.m. The official automotive sponsor of the Oscars hosts this annual pre-awards event, which has gathered the likes of Barry Jenkins, Allison Janney, Julie Goldman, Naomi Watts, Christoph Waltz, Zoe Saldana, Chrissy Metz, Jessica Paré, Michelle Dockery, Matthew Morrison and others. Select guests will be chauffeured to the event in Cadillac vehicles, which will also be transporting nominees and other VIPs to the Academy Awards. Tunes by celeb DJ Michelle Pesce. 

Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards Beverly Wilshire, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills The 11th annual event honors Lena Waithe, Tessa Thompson, Danai Gurira and Tiffany Haddish. Confirmed to present are Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Bassett, Janelle Monae and LilRel Howery. 

Gersh Agency Celebrates the 2018 Oscar Nominees Chateau Marmont, Penthouse 64, 8221 Sunset Blvd., 8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. Guests will enjoy specialty cocktails and a Tequila Don Julio 1942 tasting bar and mix with notable attendees like Oscar nominees Allison Janney, Sam Rockwell and Richard Jenkins.

Kodak Auteur Awards Crossroads Kitchen, 8284 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 7:30 p.m. Per the invite: “The 2nd annual Kodak Auteur Awards recognize talented motion picture artists who have created critically-acclaimed motion picture art and who are unyielding in their specific artistic processes. Kodak is celebrating all of the movies shot on film in 2017 and especially those who have been recognized during this award season.” 

Verve Paloma, 6327 Hollywood Blvd., 7-10 p.m. “Please join us in celebrating all of our Verve voices,” reads the invite for this awards season party put on by the agency for its nominees and friends. 

Vanity Fair and Lancôme Paris Toast Women in Hollywood Soho House, 9200 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood Hosted by editor Radhika Jones and filmmaker Ava DuVernay, the event celebrates powerful and inspirational women in the entertainment industry. Party with a purpose: A donation will be made to Time’s Up on behalf of all in attendance. 

A24 Sunset Tower, 8358 Sunset Blvd., 9 p.m. The indie distributor hosts a private, invite-only celebration for its breakout nominees Lady Bird, Disaster Artist and The Florida Project heading into an awards weekend that also includes the Spirit Awards. 

Red Carpet Green Dress Pre-Oscars Celebration​ Private residence, 7 p.m. Suzy Amis Cameron will host the 9th annual event, which shines a spotlight on sustainable fashion. This year it’s presented in partnership with Absolut Elyx and TESLA. Funds raised through the campaign benefit MUSE School CA, an environmental non-profit educational organization Amis Cameron founded in Calabasas, Calif., with her sister Rebecca Amis.

Keep It Clean Live Comedy Benefit Avalon Hollywood, 1735 Vine St., cocktails 6 p.m., show 7:30 p.m., after party 9 p.m. Just three days before the Oscars, top comedians in Hollywood will put on a benefit for Waterkeeper Alliance to raise funds for clean water worldwide. Former SNL cast member Taran Killam will serve as master of ceremonies, with appearances by Larry David, Sarah Silverman, Ray Romano, Bill Burr, Rachael Harris, Cheryl Hines, Nick Kroll, Kevin Nealon and Tig Notaro. Artist Shepard Fairey, known for his 2008 Barack Obama “Hope” poster, will guest DJ. John C. Reilly and Harper Simon will also perform a musical number at the historic nightclub. And as president of Waterkeeper Alliance, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will address the crowd as well. Tickets are $125 for the live show, and start at $250 for cocktails, the show and VIP after-party.

FRIDAY, MARCH 2

ICG Publicists Awards Beverly Hilton Hotel, 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, cocktails 11 a.m. The International Cinematographers Guild Fund hosts the 55th annual ICG Publicists Awards, which will honor Betty White with the lifetime achievement award, plus Andy Serkis and Dan Fogelman.

Belvedere Vodka X Fem The Future Catch L.A., 8715 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 12-3 p.m. Janelle Monae and Belvedere are hosting an interactive brunch “celebrating #FemtheFuture and voices of the next generation,” says the invite, which includes a panel discussion. Monae is hot off the release of two new tracks and videos from her new album, Dirty Computer.

Film Is Great Private residence, Hancock Park, 5-8 p.m. Honoring the British Oscar nominees, the British Consul General Michael Howells and BAFTA chairman Kieran Breen will kick off Oscar weekend with a soiree in partnership with BAFTA.

Piaget’s celebration of the Film Independent Spirit Awards Chateau Marmont, Penthouse, West Hollywood An evening celebration of independent film and art together with Art of Elysium. Host committee members include Beau Dunn, Laura Dunn, Molly Smith, Kaily Smith, Rachel Smith, Tara Smith, Sasha Spielberg and Mickey Sumner.

11th Annual Women in Film Pre-Oscar Cocktail Party Crustacean Beverly Hills, 9646 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 6-9 p.m. The roster of 2018 female Oscar nominees will be feted at this annual event which will be co-hosted this year by Cathy Schulman and last year’s best actress winner Emma Stone. Notable news: The event is being held to coincide with the opening night of the iconic and newly-renovated Crustacean restaurant, once a hot spot in the 90210. Presented by Max Mara (for the 11th year) and Lancôme with additional support from Crustacean Beverly Hills, Johnnie Walker, and Stella Artois, the party honors all 51 women who are nominated.

Vanity Fair with Fashion Designers Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez Private residence, Beverly Hills A private, invite-only cocktail celebration and lunch to celebrate the launch of Proenza Schouler’s First Fragrance, Arizona. 

CAA Private location The agency hosts its annual bash for nominated clients, agents and friends of the agency. The former includes Sally Hawkins, Meryl Streep, Willem Dafoe, Margot Robbie, Saoirse Ronan, Woody Harrelson, Jordan Peele and Paul Thomas Anderson.

UTA Private location The agency hosts its annual bash for nominated clients, agents and friends of the agency. Expected to be making the rounds: nominees Greta Gerwig, Frances McDormand, Timothee Chalamet and Rachel Morrison.

WME-IMG Private residence, Beverly Hills The agency hosts its annual bash for nominated clients, agents and friends of the agency. The former includes Denzel Washington, Octavia Spencer, Laurie Metcalf, Guillermo del Toro, Dee Rees, Christopher Nolan, Luca Guadagnino, Hans Zimmer, James Mangold and Michael Green. Music by celeb DJ Michelle Pesce. 

Common’s Toast to the Arts: A Celebration of Fearless Art Private location, 8 p.m. Academy Award-winning musician and actor Common hosts his 4th annual soirée. The event, which will host 200 boldfaced names, will honor Oscar nominees Mary J. Blige and Jordan Peele, Mudbound director Dee Rees, and Mudbound producer Charles King. The garden-set intimate dinner has played host to Oprah Winfrey, Jay Z, Beyoncé, Halle Berry, Gabrielle Union, Shonda Rhimes, Pharrell Williams, Samuel L. Jackson and many others. Last year’s honorees included Barry Jenkins and the cast of Moonlight, Ava DuVernay, Ezra Edelman and Raoul Peck. Expected this year: cast and creatives from Get Out and Mudbound, and the Ayars Agency and MVD Inc. are curating the evening. 

SATURDAY, MARCH 3

Oscar Week: Foreign Language Film Samuel Goldwyn Theater, 8949 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 10 a.m. Hosted by Academy producers branch Governor Mark Johnson, this event will feature directors of the nominated films in the foreign language film category (schedules permitting) on hand to discuss the challenges of the profession and how they got their stories to the screen. The program will include clips from each of the nominated films.

Film Independent Spirit Awards Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica, 10 a.m. Nick Kroll and John Mulaney are returning to host the big show and will share the stage with presenters including Fred Armisen, Chadwick Boseman, Carrie Brownstein, John Cho, Jason Clarke, Ava DuVernay, Jon Hamm, Ethan Hawke, Salma Hayek Pinault, Scarlett Johansson, Spike Lee, Ben Mendelsohn, Kumail Nanjiani, Margot Robbie, Amanda Seyfried, Tessa Thompson and Lena Waithe. 

Spirit Awards Viewing Party 5670 Wilshire Blvd., 9th Floor, Los Angeles, 1:30 p.m. Guests will get to watch the broadcast live on IFC, as they indulge with signature cocktails and bites and views inside Film Independent’s brand new office.

IFC, Sundance Selects 41 Ocean Club, Santa Monica, after the show, 4 p.m. Details coming…

Sketch to Screen Costume Design Oscar Panel UCLA’s James Bridges Theater, UCLA campus, 2 p.m., reception to follow UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and the David C. Copley Center for Costume Design present this 8th annual event which will feature three current Oscar nominees, Mark Bridges (Phantom Thread), Jacqueline Durran (Beauty and the Beast and Darkest Hour) and Luis Sequeira (The Shape of Water) as well as costume designers Nadine Haders (Get Out) and April Napier (Lady Bird). Professor Deborah Nadoolman Landis, Ph.D., founding director of UCLA TFT’s The David C. Copley Center for Costume Design will moderate. UCLA TFT’s The David C. Copley Center for Costume Design has a longstanding partnership with Swarovski to provide annual support to the Sketch to Screen Costume Design Oscar Panel; the Swarovski Designer in Residence master-class program; and the Swarovski Shooting Star Award for Excellence in Costume Design. 

Oscar Week: Makeup and Hairstyling Symposium  Samuel Goldwyn Theater, 8949 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 3 p.m. Hosted by Academy Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch Governors Lois Burwell, Leonard Engelman and Kathryn L. Blondell, this event — the final entry of Oscar Week’s public events — the nominees in the makeup and hairstyling category (schedules permitting) will reveal secrets behind their on-screen work. Photographs, appliances, molds, wigs and other items will be on display.

Chanel & Charles Finch Madeo Restaurant, 8897 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, 7:30 p.m. The 10th annual pre-Oscars event, it typically features a long list of boldfaced names. This year, expect to see Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu, Griffin Dunne, Joe Wright, Haley Bennett, Joel Coen, Frances McDormand, Judd Apatow, Leslie Mann, Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley, Martin McDonagh, Matthew Modine, Michael Keaton, Mick Jagger, Oliver Stone, Ridley Scott, Scarlett Johansson, Sienna Miller, Bret Easton Ellis, Cassian Elwes, Crystal Lourd, Derek Blasberg, Eric and Lisa Eisner, Jeff and Mackenzie Bezos, Kate Young, Kelly Sawyer, LIz Goldwyn, Nathalie Love, Ron and Kelly Meyer and Sue Kroll.

Call Me By Your Name Dinner Nordstrom Local, 8401 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, 7:30-11 p.m. This invite-only seated dinner (at the newly opened retail concept store) will play host to Sony Pictures Classic’s co-presidents Michael Barker and Tom Bernard, director Luca Guadagnino, Timothee Chalamet, Armie Hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg, along with the cast, directors and producers behind Loveless and A Fantastic Woman. Food by annual partner STK LA. Joining the dinner will be the winner of the OMAZE fundraiser. Evening benefits the Trevor Project and the Foundations for The AIDS Project.

MPTF’s Annual ‘Night Before’ Party 20th Century Fox Studios, 10201 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles This is the 16th annual A-list-packed benefit for the Motion Picture & Television Fund, which, in 2017, raised $5 million, totaling more than $75 million in the event’s history to help the org’s mission of providing social services, financial assistance and many services to the entertainment community. Leonardo DiCaprio, Mary J. Blige, Margot Robbie & Tom Ackerley, and Denzel & Pauletta Washington are among those who have signed on as host committee members. Also listed are Amy Adams & Darren Le Gallo, Tanya Haden Black & Jack Black, Kate Capshaw & Steven Spielberg, Jessica Chastain, Tom Cruise, Gal Gadot & Jaron Varsano, Greta Gerwig, Allison Janney, Sharon & Richard Jenkins, Brie Larson, Sam Rockwell, Jada Pinkett Smith & Will Smith, Octavia Spencer, Meryl Streep, Rita Wilson & Tom Hanks and Reese Witherspoon & Jim Toth. Music by celeb DJ Michelle Pesce. This year’s presenting sponsors include Delta Air Lines, Ford Motor Company, L’Oréal, Target, The Hollywood Reporter (back for a 5th time as sole media sponsor) and YouTube. Carmelized Productions by Jon Shook & Vinny Dotolo will provide specialty foods for the guests, and Lavazza, as the official coffee of the ‘Night Before,’ will provide its signature espresso. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 4

Governors Ball Ray Dolby Ballroom, Hollywood and Highland Center, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., immediately following the 90th Oscars The Ball’s 1,500 invited guests include Oscar winners and nominees, show presenters and other Oscarcast participants. Academy governor Lois Burwell (making her first outing as awards and events committee chair), event producer Cheryl Cecchetto of Sequoia Prods. and celeb chef Wolfgang Puck are teaming up to handle the details this year for the special 90th edition of the Oscarcast. This year marks Cecchetto’s 29th consecutive year producing the event, while Puck and team are back for a 24th time. The Ball will feature an array of original, seminal artifacts; footage and stills from both behind and in front of the camera; curated music from every era of the silver screen; and a historical presentation of Oscar statuettes. On the menu: smoked salmon Oscars; potato with caviar; truffle macaroni and cheese; Miyazaki Wagyu beef tartare on puffed black rice; crab-stuffed hibiscus; taro root tacos with spiced eggplant; edamame and black truffle pot stickers; black bass with salsa verde; made-to-order sushi and raw bar; and ruby chocolate strawberry and cream. 

Vanity Fair Oscar Party Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills The magazine returns to the 90210 but this year, marks the start of a new era for the ever-hot stop on the Oscar night circuit. Legendary editor Graydon Carter stepped down from his post atop the VF masthead and thus, he’ll exit a party that he helped build during his nearly three decades in the job. That means newly-installed editor Radhika Jones will have a lot of handshakes and hugs to dole out to the dozens upon dozens of A-listers who show up to party inside Basil Walters’ custom tented creation on the Wallis Annenberg property. It’s been announced that Catt Sadler will host the exclusive livestream along with digital director Mike Hogan for VF.com and Twitter. More details on the way…

Elton John AIDS Foundation 26th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party West Hollywood Park, 647 N San Vicente Blvd., 4 p.m. The annual event returns during a year featuring headlines about John retiring from touring, so expect many eyeballs to be focused on the stage to see if the legendary host tickles the keyboards. The 25th annual viewing party last year — hosted by Sir Elton and partner David Furnish — raised a record-breaking $7 million for the global effort to end AIDS.

Academy Viewing Parties: New York & London Rainbow Room, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 65th Floor, New York; Ham Yard Hotel, 1 Ham Yard, Soho, London The Academy hosts live Oscar viewing parties in New York and London for members and invited film industry guests. Oscar Night London returns to Soho’s Ham Yard Hotel to view the 90th Oscars at a two-tier screening venue. Guests will be treated to a midnight feast (thanks, time difference), complete with espresso martinis. The iconic Rainbow Room in New York will host for the only East Coast event hosted by the Academy. From the 65th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, surrounded by stunning views, guests will watch the live Oscars telecast while enjoying a customized menu.

Mercedes Benz Oscars Viewing Party Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 300 S. Doheny Dr., Los Angeles, 4-9:30 p.m. Preliminary confirmed talent includes: Chrissy Metz, Christoph Waltz, Colman Domingo, Jane Lynch, John Singleton, Melora Hardin, Peyton List, RJ Mitte, Sarunas Jackson, Serayah, Skeet Ulrich, Viola Davis and others.

Byron Allen’s Second Annual Entertainment Studios Oscar Gala Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 3:30 p.m. This year’s event — featuring a cocktail soiree, dinner and viewing party — benefits Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and will showcase performances by A-listers Jamie Foxx and Katy Perry. Last year’s gala brought in more than $1 million for CHLA. 

Twentieth Century Fox & Fox Searchlight Pictures TAO, 6421 Selma Ave., Los Angeles, 8 p.m. The distributor dominated Oscar nominations, landing a total of 20 for its breakout films Shape of Water and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. While it is sure to be a busy night on the party circuit, expect to see helmers Guillermo del Toro and Martin McDonagh holding court here with stars including Sally Hawkins, Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson, Octavia Spencer, and others. Party chatter: The slated merger with Disney which could mean this might be the last joint Fox hurrah for these divisions.

3rd Annual Roger Neal Style Hollywood Oscar Viewing Black Tie Dinner Gala & Roger Neal Style Gift Suite The Hollywood Museum 1660 Highland Ave., Hollywood As Night of 100 Stars comes to an end — Norby Walters had elected to step down and retire from his Oscar event hosting duties after 27 years — Edward Lozzi, its co-organizer and PR director has jumped over to join Neal and his Oscar event. The event is not only a black-tie dinner and viewing party, there’s also a celebrity gifting component as well as an awards presentation. Stars also have the option of touring the museum prior to sitting down for dinner. The 3rd Annual RNSH ICON Awards will be presented before the Oscar broadcast to notable names including Renee Taylor, Marion Ross, Burt Ward, Karen Kramer and The Pointer Sisters. Those expected to attend include award winners along with Fran Drescher, Louis Gossett Jr., Billy Bob Thornton, Lily Tomlin, Lainie Kazan, Jon Voight, Lou Ferrigno, Carla Ferrigno, Ruta Lee, Paul Sorvino, Gloria Allred, Gary Busey, Jake Busey, Fred Willard, Michael Jai White, and Diane Ladd. Featured charities include the Thalians and Life & Hope Relief. 

Route 66 Bar + Lounge Oscar Viewing Party 1160 North Vermont Ave., Los Angeles Hollywood Hotel hosts an Academy Awards Viewing Party to introduce its new Route 66 Bar + Lounge to the local community and hotel guests. On the menu: Giveaways, cocktail specials and swag bags. 

Oscars Viewing Party by Tres by Jose Andres SLS Beverly Hills, 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, 5:30 p.m. The hotel offers an event designed to make typical guests feel like A-listers. Here, they’ll be able to walk a red carpet and sip Oscars-inspired cocktails and bites by renowned chef José Andrés. Games, a grand raffle and a welcome glass of Cava are also on the menu. 

IMDb LIVE Viewing Party Neuehouse Hollywood, 6121 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, 4:30 p.m. IMDb’s second-annual invitation-only event will play host to more than 300 industry insiders who will be treated to food and drinks while watching the Academy Awards. Meanwhile, IMDb’s live companion show, featuring celebrity conversations and a stream of real-time facts, data and social commentary from IMDb and IMDbPro, will stream beginning with a pre-show at 4:30 p.m. It will wrap with a post-show once the Academy Awards broadcast concludes. IMDb’s show includes “Hosted Mode” — live conversation between hosts Dave Karger, Kevin Smith, The IMDb Show co-hosts Tim Kash and Kerri Doherty and celebrity guests including Peter Fonda and Tatum O’Neal – and “Second Screen Mode.”

Golden Soiree: “The After Party” Presented by VoilaVe Warwick, 6507 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 7 p.m. Expected at this event are Victor Ortiz, Mario Van Peebles, Derek Hough, Robert Ri’chard, Camille Kostek, Sean Faris, Chuck Liddell, Bridget Marquardt, Apollo Ohno, Post Malone, Emily Sears, Amanda Cerny, Terrence Newman, Jessica Ashley, Todd Gurley, Rob Minkoff, Camille Kostek, Casper Smart, Paola Paulin and Sophia Miacova.

Nordstrom Local ​Viewing Party 8401 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, 4-8:30 p.m. Nordstrom Local is hosting an invite-only viewing party for the fashion industry, including top stylists and stars. The private event, produced by A-List Communications, will offer nail services, a mixology bar, plus champagne and gourmet food from the W Hotel’s steakhouse STK LA. Guests can walk the red carpet before enjoying the 4K HD viewing screens and Nordstrom gift card prizes.  

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[machiavxlli]

"Did that upset you? The thought of never seeing me again?" The woman teased upon the man's first words to her. Alina had a habit of teasing people, making them flustered with her jokes and gestures. The woman kept her seat at the foot of the bed, unmoving in her attempt to speak to him. Alina noted his eyes, and could swear he was...crying? Something about that idea made her chest ache.

Alina shook her head slowly. "Do you remember anything at all?" She first asked, ignoring his questions. She had doubted her strategy multiple times. Perhaps her trust was misplaced, perhaps he was not as valuable an asset as she thought him to be. Midas was hardly persuaded when Alina claimed he would return, dead or alive. But now, could she convince the king to listen to him?

"The doctors were unsure if you would live..." Alina made no mention of her spy in Florian's court, or who brought Samuel back to the palace. She wanted to hear it from him, to hear this loyal solider admit that the King he so loved, had betrayed him.

the ache in him went beyond anything he'd ever felt before. when samuel opened his eyes, in an unfamiliar room, in an unfamiliar bed, he could form no thoughts beyond the pain that seemed to extend into every extremity of his body. the wound in his side felt like it was on fire, stitches biting into the tortured skin that lined it, the damage to his insides screaming at him with every muscle he moved. he tried to get up, quickly abandoned that idea as the agony that shot through him stole his breath away. still, the more supreme form of pain was not medical. it did not come in the form of torn flesh and bloodied bandages. the real pain could be felt only in the depths of his chest, as he turned his last memory of florian over and over. as he lay there, replaying the scene again and again, samuel could not think of a single thing that he ought to have done differently. had he not been loyal enough ? had he not offered himself to his king ? had he not told him all he knew ? hot tears pooled in the corners of his eyes at he memory of florian's expression as he'd driven the knife into him. how full of loathing it had been. at the click of the door, he hastily moved to wipe the tears from his face, though his body ached at the sudden motion. bleary eyes moved over the figure that entered. it was her. he did not think he would ever see her again, nor did he understand why he was seeing her now. dark brows furrowed, looking her up and down. " i thought i would not see you again. " he racked his brain for an explanation for this strange reunion, but could come to none. " why am i here ? did his grace-- did florian turn me over to you ? " had he intended for him to be tortured ? to be punished beyond the wound in his abdomen if he lived ?

[hxnourbnd]

continued from here !

hatred flared in him. how dare she ridicule him, mock the special bond between him and his king. what did she know of loyalty ? what did she know of the love he held for his monarch, the love he received in return, veiled & invisible as it may seem to those who did not understand ? samuel opened his mouth to snarl a response, but the wind was knocked out of him by a boot cruelly forced beneath his ribs. he doubled over, heaving and spluttering as the breath was knocked out of him. air did not seem to want to find its way back into his lungs, fingers curling into the dirt as he writhed at her feet. never had he wanted to hurt another person more. " his grace works in ways you cannot possibly understand. " the words were spoken in between laboured, wheezing breaths, hatred seeping from every syllable. " he will come for me. "

[machiavxlli]

"I do not care for him." Alina was quick to correct her friend. "I simply see potential. He can help us find Florian, and bring him to trail. What you have just said could be the very tipping point of the war." The brunette expressed. "Like you said. Samuel was probably his most loyal servant yet, and Florian nearly killed him. Before he escaped, I tried everything to make him see that Florian was no good, but he would not relent. This will change things."

Alina did feel some kind of way for him. It was sad to see someone so devoted to a man, only to be treated like he was nothing but trash. A doll to be thrown away, once you no longer wanted it. To be used, abused and than discarded was one of the worst feelings imaginable. "Doctor, how is he?" Alina than turned to the doctor. The old man sighed. "The wound is deep, but he will live. I will need time to stitch him up properly, and it will leave a nasty scar." The old man wasted no time, and got back to work. The mistress of whispers turned back to Maeve, her hand reaching for hers.

"You must return to him now, and watch yourself. I do not want you to get hurt." Alina rubbed her thumb against Maeve's knuckles. "The tides are changing, my dear. You will see."

---

TIMESKIP - Alina's estate , 3 days later

"My lady." A servant spoke up as he walked into the living room. "He's awake." Alina smiled. A weight had been lifted off her chest. The woman rose up, and made her way to his rooms. Her staff had been informed beforehand of the arrival of Samuel. They were all loyal to Alina, so she need not worry about the whispers. Two servants opened his doors, Alina made her way inside slowly. Another butler followed behind, as a security precaution.

"I though you would not wake up."

" i wouldn't say he's panicking. " maeve watched as fran sped off to call the physician to them, reaching to take the reigns of the horse that still stood with samuel slung over its back. her eyes lifted to find alina's, quirking a brow before she continued. " he's completely lost his mind. " she began leading the horse along the dirt road, toward the little palace, as alina had indicated. " he comes up with the strangest conspiracies, honestly-- some of the ministers believed that he hears voices. " more than once, maeve had seen the monarch throw wild accusations around, calling even his most trusted advisors horrible things. but never before had he turned violent, never before had he tried to take a life. " it's a shame, really. this one was probably the most loyal servant he had left. "

the physician was waiting for them at the little palace, the older man slightly out of breath as he had clearly run to meet them. instead of watching samuel as he was pulled off the horse and laid out for the doctor to examine, maeve's eyes were on alina, drinking in every change in the expression of her friend. " why do you care so much about saving him ? "

[machiavxlli]

Alina rolled her eyes. "Ever the comedian, Maeve." The brown haired woman commented before her attentions returned to the bleeding man. He looked dreadful. Worse than dreadful. Alina felt the blood begin to stain her hands. "We need to get him to the doctor." Alina was not about to allow a potential assent to die. If anything, this betrayal only would push Samuel to betraying Florian and helping them. It was like another piece had been added to the chessboard, and it was Alina's turn to make a move. "Fran!" Alina called out to the other spy. "Call the doctor to come here, he won't survive being taken into the castle." Before the spy could leave, Alina grabbed her hand. "Tell him to meet me in the little palace. Nobody must know that Samuel returned."

The spy bolted towards the gate and disappeared into a corner. "I will say it is good too see you are alive, my friend." Alina smiled at the blonde. Maeve was her closest confidant. They had been friends since childhood, and both grew into formidable figures within the court.

"Florian must be panicking if he resulted to this..."

maeve was not in the habit of saving the life of florian's lap dogs. she had seen a string of them pass throughout the years-- some for a night, some for a season. but only samuel had had the tenacity to cling on to his delusions for decades. what had inspired such loyalty in him was beyond her. yet, here she was now, pulling into the courtyard of midas' palace with a half-dead samuel slung over the shoulders of her horse. the things she did for alina. truthfully, she had no idea what alina's infatuation was with him, either. on her list of courtiers who had useful information to share, florian's executioner-slash-lapdog would have been at the very bottom. still, she trusted her friend, and if alina thought it was worth keeping him alive, maeve would be the last person to question her. she disembarked from her horse, feet landing on the dusty earth as alina came out to meet her. " what happened to ' hello ' ? " her arms spread to embrace her friend, holding her against herself for a long moment until she let go, glancing back at samuel's lip form. " he tried to crawl back to florian. " almost as if on cue, samuel let out a low, painful moan. " he thought it was a trick, so, well-- you can see for yourself . " she gestured toward the man's broken form, inviting alina to approach.

[machiavxlli]

Alina had been preparing to leave for her country home. Things had escalated within the last 24 hours. Their prisoner had escaped. Alina had been informed earlier that morning, and was present when they visited the cell. The guard was alive, but bleeding and would be off duty for some time. Of course, the King was not too happy about this. A verbal barrage was thrown towards the mistress of whispers, none that she liked. They were making their way to the front gate.

"My lady!" A sharp whisper came from the side, and Alina looked down to find one of her little birds looking up at her. 'Little birds' that's what her spies were called. "What is it, Fran?" - "Maeve is at the front gate...she's got the prisoner with her." The young spy reported. "But she said only you should come and see..." Alina was stunned. She moved quickly, and walked towards the old arch that made the front gate.

"Maeve, what are you-" Before she could say anything else, her eyes fell to the limp body of Samuel. Blood stained his clothes at the side, a nasty hole was torn into it. Alina swallowed hard, the stench of blood made her stomach turn. "What happened?"

samuel barely felt the blade over the hurt caused by florian's words. they knocked the breath out of him, stomach twisting as he listened to the man he had given everything to turn on him. what had he done wrong ? it was the only question in his mind, lips moving too slow to counter his accusations before he sank the knife into his gut. he had risen when florian had, and now they stood almost chest to chest, samuel's eyes wide and terrified as they bored into florian's. a horrible, choking sound fell from his lips, pearling his chin with flood as the dagger was withdrawn. " your grace-- " it was all he could manage before his knees gave way, connecting with the hard floor as he crumpled down onto it. nobody would come to his rescue, he knew. the ministers would not dare risk their necks to try to save his life. samuel had landed face down on the ground, cheeks pressed tiles as he felt his abdomen grow slick with blood. he had clasped a hand over it, but it did little to stem the bleeding, crimson liquid instead seeping between his fingers. the world was going blurry, florian's voice far away, though he could still make out the words. get him out of here. his king was going to let him die in the streets like a dog. something close to anger surged in him at the realisation, though it was quickly overtaken by the ache in his heart and the mind-splitting pain in his gut. two pairs of hands grasped his arms, dragging him out of the throne room. his vision was going, but he didn't have to look to know that he was leaving a trail of scarlet in his wake. samuel was thrown into the muddy road unceremoniously, palace doors closing with an unforbiding slam before he could turn. he didn't know how long he lay there, bleeding into the dirt, fighting to stay conscious. he began hallucinating at some point, stars popping in front of his eyes, waves of iridescent light crashing over him. an angel hung over him in the end, blond locks framing her face, gentle hands touching his arm, telling him to hang on. everything went black.

[machiavxlli]

"I did want you back here, with something useful! I don't need second hand information the damn baker can tell me!" The prince continued to shout. The ministers remained uncomfortable in their silence. Florian walked around his seat, hands going through his hair. Sweat covered his brow, his heart pounded rapidly in his chest. There was a voice in the back of his mind. He could've said something. The voice said. They could've let him go, just so he can spy on me for them. His own paranoia had crept in long ago. Like a spider making it's web in a corner, Florian's fears manifested in the voice of his conscious. Florian must never fear, nobody should know he had fears.

"Yes, because you told them!" The sudden accusation got the reaction of the rest. "Your Grace, what sort of accusation are you making?" Lord Colt asked. "They probably let him out because he knew where we were staying, so that they can attack us! He most likely betrayed us in there! Look at him, he hasn't eaten for weeks and you want me to think he didn't talk?!"

"Your Grace-" Before anyone could do anything, Florian had his dagger dug into Samuel's side. The room fell silent after the chorus of gasps ended. Florian could hear the blood dripping onto the floor. "You were my most loyal companion, and you betrayed me..." Florian sounded almost sad...almost heartbroken. The dagger was buried deep inside the skin of the man, the handle also stained crimson. Florian aimed without any real target. His only wish was to cause pain. The prince pulled the weapon out, and took a step back. "Get him out of here."

the whole world screeched to a halt. it felt as if he had been struck round the head, ears ringing, cheeks burning, vision swimming. florian was all he had been thinking about for the last days. weeks even. every word he had spoken, every action, every thought had been focussed on bringing him back here, to florian. at the sound of the smashing glass, samuel cringed, ducking away from the king's rage as if he were a frightened child. samuel was bigger than florian, stronger, more skilled in battle, yet he cowered in the face of his anger like the most loyal of guard dogs, too well-trained to as much as bare his teeth. " please, your grace-- " he felt foolish. why hadn't he brought florian the whisper woman's head ? samuel looked up, catching the piercing blue gaze of the sister sitting opposite him. her eyes seemed to burn right through him, as if she was somehow aware of the thought before it had even fully formed in his head. quickly, dark eyes were cast back down to the tiles under his knees. " i--i thought you wanted me back here. " his voice was weak, a soft, pathetic sound in the face of the king's rage, his disappointment. his cheeks burned red-hot with shame at florian's disapproval, shoulders curling to make himself as small as possible. " forgive me, your grace. " an old mantra, words so familiar to him they followed him into his dreams sometimes, sprang from his lips now. it was not enough. what he had so often dreamed of in that cold dark cell came to pass. florian touched him, but rather than the gentle, intimate touches of his fantasies, his hands only found samuel's frame to push him back, cruelly. the force if it sent him tumbling back over the cold floor. he was up again in a second, returning to the king's side as if his right wrist didn't pound in pain, the shock of the fall having absorbed into the delicate bones of his hand. he found his familiar place by the king's side, though the starry-eyed look in his dark eyes had been replaced by something laced with barely concealed hurt. " i think-- i fear, your grace, that they will find you here. i heard the way they speak of you, the disrespect, the blasphemous words they utter about you. i fear they will not hesitate to harm your grace, when given the chance. "

[machiavxlli]

A common misconception about the former King was that he was nothing more than a shallow charlatan with no battle prowess or mind for finances. While Florian indulged in his every whim and desire, he wasn't stupid. Before he was King, he lead armies in skirmishes and battles that came out victorious. The prince had a thirst for blood, just as much as he had for fine wines. And he would win back his throne, and then mount the heads of the traitors on spikes.

The summer palace proved to be a good refugee for Florian and his supporters. What he did not expect was Samuel to bust down that door. Truthfully, Florian thought the fool was dead. Before the blonde could speak, the dark haired man was perched upon his armrest like some annoying bird. "You think I don't know this?" Florian asked with a disinterested glare. The prince got up from his seat, and all ministers around him tensed up. Florian grabbed a glass and chucked it to the stone wall, at the mention of the Mistress of whispers. "I know! That bitch is the reason they were able to kick me out in the first place!"

"I can tell you'd been tortured. You look like shit." The room was heavy with anxiety. Ministers avoided eye contact, all except the sister of the church seated at her end of the table. Than, as if out of the blue, Florian grabbed Samuel by the collar of his shirt. "Why didn't you kill him?! Or her?! You had them right there, you could've taken care of the problem!"

"Your grace, is that really nec-" A minister tried to say. "Shut up!" Florian shouted before turning back to glare at Samuel. "What good are you to me, if you can't act?" Florian shoved the other man away with all his might, his upper arms flexed at the motion. "I'm surrounded by idiots. Chickens with no heads," He pointed to the minsters "A useless mut," He pointed towards Samuel. Than he pointed towards sister Maeve Thindrel. "And a nun. This is how I am to take my throne back."

samuel crumpled to the floor the moment his shackles were undone, his frame too weakened to stay upright without the harsh metal keeping him in place. he did not look at the woman again before she left, though his anger at her words roiled within him long after she had gone. the food was eaten quickly, hungrily, water spilling down his chin as he threw back the cup he had been given. finally, he was able to think clearly. he had to get out. he had to warn the king of these traitors, of their mock-court, the usurper who seemed so sure of the outcome of this conflict. samuel bided his time, nursing his raw wrists and sore shoulders, slumping against the rough walls whenever a guard passed the barred door of his cell. they grew careless, after a while, convinced he was dying or ill or both. the door was left open for longer, hips carrying keys turned toward him instead of away. at the perfect moment, in the dead of night, samuel pounced. executioner's hands slammed the guard's head into the brick wall of the cell. he was the smallest of the guards, a young man clearly trying hard to grow a beard and failing. he slumped to the ground with ease, chest still rising and falling when samuel bent down to take his keys. someone would find him soon enough. the palace was a maze, but by some miracle he managed to find his way to the stables, where he bridled and saddled the first horse he encountered, a grey, strong-looking mare. he rode. long & fast & hard, samuel drove the mare down the same path he knew florian had travelled, to the banks of lake glamlisle, where a grand summer palace now concealed and housed florian and his court. he had refused to hide out anywhere less comfortable than this place, which belonged to a friendly duke away on trade business. samuel did not reign in the horse, galloping it through the gates and past the guards, until he had reached the centre courtyard of the summer palace. the guards posted at the doors recognised him, giving him wide-eyed, astonished looks as he rushed past them and into the throne room, where a still sleepy-looking florian sat conversing with his ministers. his heart surged. " your grace. " his voice was not as steady as he would have liked, barely-concealed elation at his reuniting with florian shaking his words. samuel fell to his knees by his seat, fingers gripping the armrest as he spoke in quick, rushed sentences. " your grace-- i-- you must listen to me. " he had never been this forceful with florian before, but these were desperate times. " your brother-- midas-- he has erected a mock-court not but half a day's ride from here. he means to usurp you throne. he meant to torture me, to-- to force me to reveal your whereabouts. " samuel swallowed, hard. the ride and the exertion it took had drained him. " he has a mistress of whispers, your grace. he has tasked her with finding you. "

[machiavxlli]

"Your life." Alina said simply. "I can speak with the King, when the time comes for Florian to stand judgement, your punishment will be lenient." Exile. It was the only possibility, other than death. Florian would be put to the sword as soon as he was captured, after being tried for his crimes that is. But any supporter of his should comply with the crown, they would be tried differently.

"Is the safety of one man more valuable than your own?" Alina questioned, now clearly confused. The man before her was an anomaly. In all her years, she had seen lovers throw each other to the wolves, should it mean their lives remained in tact. But not him...he was just willing to give it all away for a man who did not even deserve it. Why did that make her so angry?

"I know that pig well enough to tell your sacrifice will be in vain." The woman spat, her own feelings evident now. Samuel had managed to make a crack in her frontier, but Alina quickly composed herself. "Your king has the blood of thousands of people on his hands, yet you choose not to see it." She continued. "You're a fool. And let me make this clear, I am not in the habit of letting prisoners die. I can keep you here, alive but in pain." A guard and a maid entered the room, the cell bars squealing. The guard remained at the door, as the maid placed a tray of food and water in the corner. The guard than moved, keys in hand. Alina moved towards the door, before giving the man one final glance. The guard was undoing the shackles that kept his wrists up.

"I would think long and hard about the man you chose to be loyal to. And I expect an answer when I come visit you."

alina's words were poison. he saw her plan now, clear as day. it was not the cold that was meant to torture him, not the hunger or the thirst or the aching pain in his body. it were these words that she had designed to break him. what cruelty, to lodge a blade of this making into his chest. samuel scowled at her, muscles tensing as if trying to break free from his unforgiving bonds. " you know nothing of the things you speak about, woman. " he spat the words at her, her gaze as hard and cold as the winter chill seeping in from the outside. " his grace loves me. he just-- he has to do it in private, where traitors like you can't see what he's really like. how good he is. how gentle, how-- how beautiful. " samuel faltered, then. florian had never been gentle with him. but he knew he could be, had fantasized about feeling his king's gentle hands brush against his skin, curl into the nape of his neck. samuel knew it could happen, if only the right moment presented itself.

at the woman's offer, his lip curled, head shaking before she had finished speaking. " how could you possibly help me ? " alina was trying to take everything from him, framing it has help. this was part of the torture, he reminded himself. she had twisted the knife, and now she was promising him the pain would stop if only he would comply. " you want me to betray my king. you-- you want me to give up everything that gives my life meaning. "

[machiavxlli]

Alina listened to every word he expressed. Was it the delirium from the cold, or the hunger that made him loosen his tongue? No matter, whatever it was it was working. Alina let go of his chin when he was done, but her eyes remained on him. "That's sweet, isn't it?" The woman took a step back, her gaze finally leaving the man and looking out the window. It was a small passage to the outside world. The cell had a nice view of the sea, but let the cold in. They were in the early months of winter, and the cold crept through any crack it could find. "You may believe your King is a good monarch, but I can assure you it is quite the opposite. He would tell you whatever he wanted, to make you believe in his competence, Samuel."

Alina thought back to when Florian was still King. She was part of the council than, but Florian seldom heard her council. Alina believed it had something to do with her gender, that Florian refused to be counseled by a woman. It didn't matter much, since Alina spent most of her time away from court. When she was there though, she caught glimpses of Samuel here and there. They never spoke, until the fateful day he was captured.

Alina made eye contact. "Let me say this. Your love is an unrequited fantasy, and Florian could not care less if you lived or died. It's who he is." Venom laced her tongue as she expressed. "You said it yourself, you are his servant. And all servants are expendable to him." Alina recalled the terror the staff lived in whenever it was time to entertain Florian's many balls and festivities. The old King had once broken a glass against the head of a butler, causing him to bleed. "But I can help you. I can help you get out of this unscathed, if you just help me."

her fingers were warm on his skin. he hadn't noticed, really, how cold he had become, but now that the heat of her fingertips seeped into him, the rest of his frame felt as if it had been dunked in ice water. he could only look at her, dark eyes trained on hers as her words reignited the hatred he felt for her. " who are you to decide where my loyalties must lie ? " samuel jerked at his chains, rattling the metal, trying to slip free. the unforgiving iron did not budge, but he managed to yank his chin out of her grasp, at least. " of course i admire him. " his words sounded too raw, too defensive. the fatigue, the strain on his body, the hunger-- they had taken their toll. no longer could he hide the raw emotions that lurked just beneath his surface whenever he spoke of his king. " he is a good ruler, he-- he-- he takes care of his people. he takes care of me. " he should stop talking, he knew, but samuel found himself unable to stop the words tumbling from his lips. " he told me-- he told me i was his most trusted servant. me. no one else. he looked at every person in his court and he saw the truth, he saw that i was most devoted to him. " a muscle in his jaw twitched. he was fighting against himself now, struggling to keep his voice even and failing. " and he has rewarded me handsomely for it. " here, he managed to stop himself, keeping his most precious, private memory to himself, unwilling to share it with the woman who had become his torturer. florian had kissed him. it had happened only once, and the king had tasted of wine & grease & tobacco, but it had happened. florian loved him. " there is nothing you can do to make me forget where i belong. " at florian's side. no-- at his feet.

[machiavxlli]

"Do you?" Alina inquired with a small smile on her face. She entered the threshold and was met with the metallic scent of blood. Alina never did the dirty work herself. Her dear friend and fellow spy joked that she was a proper, pampered lady. Never getting her silks dirty. The guards were instructed to remain at the end of the hall, as the conversation about to be had needed to remain private. "Perhaps...but I do not put my value on which King I serve, so I think I'll be able to live with that." She was lying, of course. No matter how much she said otherwise, she cared for her reputation. Her pride, her dignity, they were all things she valued. If she didn't have that, if she didn't have the respect of the King and the court, what else was there?

Alina stood in front of him now. Her hand reached up, hooking her fingers under his chin to make him look at her. She could tell the torture was working. He seemed tired, dehydrated and hungry. His eyes had lost some of that mischievous glint she'd seen before. "I must say though, your loyalty is admirable...even if it's misplaced." She mused. Samuel had beautiful eyes, she must admit. Dark pools, she could not tell where his iris ended and his pupil began.

"You admire your King very much, don't you? Despite everything he had done?"

she meant to break him. she was so sure of it, so confident in her abilities to crack samuel in two. what a fool she would seem in front of her usurper, when it became clear to all that she had underestimated the fierceness of his devotion. samuel fantasised about it, about the shame colouring the wretched woman's cheeks as the hours passed in the cold, dark cell. they had strung him up, wrists chained to the ceiling, forcing him to balance on the balls of his feet. the earthy scent of rot surrounded him, blending with the metallic smell of his own blood as it drip-drip-dripped from his nose to the ground. a courtesy of the guards who had taken him away from the throne room. they left him there for a long time, dangling until all feeling went from his fingers, until the hunger turned to pain in his stomach, the thirst turning his throat to sandpaper. samuel fought to keep his chin high, refusing to give the occasional guards that passed the satisfaction of seeing him weakened, but eventually he could fight it no longer. his head dropped, dark hair obscuring his vision in between the bouts of unconsciousness that took him. samuel opened his eyes, unaware of the time that had passed and the hour of the day. but something was different. there was another presence in the room. he could feel it, the change in the air, the existence of another warm body in the room with him. he raised his head, tired eyes blinking against the torch light that had not previously been there. it was her. pristine and beautiful, looking at him, dirtied and bloodied, no doubt considering how best to torture him. " i pity you. " an echo of the words she had spoken to him, thrown back in her face with as cruel an edge as samuel could manage. his voice was raw, syllables scraping up the sides of his throat. " you will disappoint your king, alina. that is a shame you will have to carry for the rest of your life. "