#truly insane how we literally have no idea what lola looks like

[dontbetherabbit]

Ok i need to talk about lola for a minute. Specifically her accent bc i know for a damn fact she has one. She calls mary "the bird" so now im just imagining her with the thickest baltimore accent possible but neil grew up with it so he doesnt acknowledge it.

[fandomlovingfreak]

Summoned

Chapter 1: Summoned

Sebastian de Poitiers x OC

Rating: E for everyone

Word Count: 1661

MasterList Link I Wattpad Link I AO3

Summary: Summoned, to bid to come : send for

When a letter is received from an old friend summoning her for an unspoken favor, Isobel must set sail from her father's home in Scotland, unsure if she will ever see the shores of the country she loves, ever again. French Court, something whispered about by her and her friends as young girls seem frightening to Isobel. Yet, destiny awaits her in Mary's secret favor.

Disclaimer: The characterizations of characters from Reign (based on historical figures) are all the property of the CW Historical Romance show, Reign created by Laurie McCarthy and Stephanie SenGupta (these characters include but are not limited to Sebastian de Poitiers, King Francis, Mary Queen of Scots). This work has not been created for profit or financial compensations, and is a transformative fair use work in accordance with Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act.

CW nor the creators of Reign do not own my original character Isobel.

Notes: I’ve been reworking this fic for a while. I hope to bring it to life as I’ve quite literally been writing it off and on since 2019!

Enjoy

Dear Isobel,

I would like to be summoning you under different circumstances, but I find myself needing you at this hour. I cannot disclose too much information within this letter, as we are still uncertain whether or not the English are intercepting our letters, but I beg you to make haste.

I await your arrival at French Court.

Your friend,

Mary Queen of Scots

 I've read and re-read the letter from my dear friend at least two dozen times since departing from the shores of Scotland. Reading was a wonderful escape from the thoughts that I may never see these shores again, something my father had drilled into my head a thousand times before I left. He was certain I'd find a match in France, hopeful that the Queen of Scotland was arranging the details as I traveled.

I myself am nervous about the implications of the letter... of the summoning from Mary. Where my father saw hope, I saw dread-- or at least unexpected news.

But she spoke of something important, and I couldn't just ignore her pleads to come to her Court. Last I'd heard, she'd married her long-awaited fiance, Francis, and gone on a long honeymoon tour. What on earth would have her summoning me of all people at this moment?

***

Everything is splendid

I think to myself as I look around the halls of the castle. The people are even dressed splendidly. 

I am greeted by my old friends Kenna, Greer, and Lola, who all talk animatedly about my arrival before I am hurried off to Mary's bed-chamber for the purpose of my summoning. 

She greets me just as our other friends had, warmly, with smiles and small talk. I did miss her, more than I originally thought I did, as I see she's become more Queenly than ever before. Technically, I suppose, she was more a Queen than ever now that she and her husband had officially been crowned King and Queen of France.

"Come sit, please." Mary situates us by a glowing fire, asking if I'd like a refreshment of any sort. I decline, feeling I can't wait another moment. I must know why I am in France.

Mary looks down at her hands, suddenly looking as if she'd rather not be doing this, "Yes, well. I must ask you to do something I feel uneasy asking of you--"

I take Mary's hand in mine, "what is it?" Her tone is almost unreadable, but her eyes tell me I should be nervous.

Mary takes a deep breath of air, "I must ask you to stay here in France and-- marry Francis's brother, Sebastian de Poitiers."

I feel the color drain from my cheeks, "Marry--?"

My Queen has the decency to look embarrassed as she searches for words, "Francis's half-brother."

"The late King's bastard son? That Sebastian? Mary, I don't understand--"

"I know that-- I know how your father would react, will react if you agree to help me, but please listen to me, Isobel. I have good reason to ask for your help." After a moment, I nod, urging her to tell me the point of this-- suggestion.

"I'm not sure what you've heard about my past year in the French court, so I'll start from the beginning." I listen to her retell the problems they've had. The Queen Mother's meddling, the prophecy of Francis's death if he married Mary, the ploy to get Sebastian legitimized by the Vatican. All of the details are poured out for me to better understand Mary's odd request.

"I don't understand how you could have even-- I mean, Mary. He's the King's bastard. Your mother would have never allowed it..."

"And she fought it and won. I know that it seems crazy, but I love Francis. I would do anything to keep him from death, even marry a man I--" she flushes. I can see there were feelings even if she chose one brother over the other. 

"Oh, Mary..."

Mary sighs, "I know it's a lot to ask of you, Isobel, but Sebastian is my friend, and it's the only way Francis will feel... he can let Sebastian stay in court-- if he's married and settled down with his own wife."

I look down at my hands, embarrassed to be asking such a question, "How would this affect me in court, Mary?" How can I turn down my Queen's requests, though? I have to do what is right for the country, even if the country she's asking me for aid from is her husband's.

"Francis has agreed to give Sebastian a title, a small one but a title nonetheless, and an estate that will be available if you wish to escape French Court for a time during each year. Bash is a bastard, but that won't destroy you under Francis's care."

"And has Sebastian agreed to this?" 

Mary hesitates, "He has not." I thought as much, "but it's the only option for him. He'll see reason. Sebastian is very reasonable, Isobel. That's one of the reasons why I thought of you when this predicament came up. I often think he is a reflection of you in ways."

My father's potential thoughts and opinions plague my mind, keeping me silent as she waits for my answer.

"I know I'm asking a lot of you, Isobel." Silence chokes out the conversation.

"Can I think it over, Mary?"

"Yes. If you need me to, I will send your father's word. I'll tell him it was for the good of the alliance between Scotland and France. Anything you need, Isobel." Her hand grasps mine, pleading with me.

With a nod, I agree to be quick with my answer. 

***

The halls are near empty as I walk slowly towards the room prepared for me by my dearest friends Kenna, Lola, and Greer.

Worries come in and out of my brain rapidly. I fear for the fall in my reputation, then feel awful for thinking of another so lowly. Sebastian could very much be a wonderful man, and I'm sure he is if Mary held such a high opinion of him. She wouldn't have entertained marriage with a man if she did not believe him to be a truly wonderful person, I'm certain of it. But, that did not change the fact that he existed somewhat outside of polite company.

Sitting on the large bed, I fold my hands tightly on my lap in worry. If I agree to marry, I will be directly aiding my Queen and helping create peace within both of our countries. Francis was technically now the King of Scotland. On the other hand, I would be marrying someone I don't know, which frightens me. Not to mention I will someday have to face my family, who may blame me for pulling them down with me if all of this backfires and I become some sort of social pariah.

Feeling thoroughly exhausted by all of this thinking, I flop back onto the bed.

In the end, I do trust Mary. I don't believe that she would purposefully lead me astray, and she seemed genuine and confident that Sebastian and I could be a match. A good one at that.

**

With newly found resolve, I wake early and dress before making my way to Mary's bed-chamber. I need to-- before I chicken out and run home to my father. I can be brave.

"Isobel," Mary's voice is full of surprise, "is something the matter?" She takes a few steps towards me

"I've thought it over, Mary," I take a large calming breath, sealing my fate, "I will marry him."

She stands looking at me for a beat before taking a few steps to embrace me, "Thank you, Isobel. Thank you. You can't understand how grateful I am." She pulls back, looking deadly serious, "I promise you that I personally will send word to your father and make him know this was my doing. You will receive no backlash; you have been kind and selfless. I promise you that you will be taken care of under both the Scottish and French crowns."

I smile, pulling her back into a hug, "Thank you, Mary."

"Don't thank me at all. You are doing an enormous, insane favor for me."

"I trust you, you know that? I don't believe you would let me marry someone horrible."

"He isn't! Sebastian is wonderful. He's thoughtful and kind, a little pigheaded, but what man isn't a bit stubborn?" I laugh at her words. "And think of this! You and I shall be related by marriage."

I smile kindly, not wanting to burst her bubble... In many's views, a bastard, even one close to his half-siblings, is not a true sibling.

***

Sebastian looks between Mary and his half-brother, "you can't be serious."

Francis's eyes hold that hatred. The one reserved specifically for Sebastian that has developed since Mary came to Court.

"It's the only solution, Sebastian. I will never feel comfortable with your return to Court-- living near my wife if you remain a bachelor."

He snorts at the ridiculousness of the idea, "If I agree to marry a complete stranger, you will somehow gain comfort?" The venom in his voice pulses through each syllable.

Unluckily, Francis matches his frustration, his tone turning just as icy, "You will be too preoccupied with your own wife and new station to continue lusting over my wife. Your Queen." Mary looks at her husband with concern, a look he used to be on the receiving end of. Sebastian looks away with disgust... no sadness. Some vile emotion that he detests feeling.

"Please, Bash," Mary tries to soothe the pain, "Isobel has agreed. She's wonderful. She will make an excellent wife for you."

Sebastian sighs, running his fingers through his hair, "Can I meet her first? I would like to meet her before you force us to marry, please."

Mary and Francis look between each other. 

"I can arrange that."

[itslikethatfrenchthing]

3 OF THE BEST WAYS TO COME UP WITH IDEAS FOR SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

  How the heck do you come up with ideas for social media posts? 

Do you ever sit down to plan your social media content ideas and draw a complete blank? Writers block times a million, am I right?

Well, you’re not alone. Every single business owner I know struggles with this.

We want to write posts that:

Speak to our ideal customer

Are empowering, authentic, and true

Feel natural and conversational

That’s a lot of pressure when you think about it. 

And let’s not forget the “strategy” side of social media content creation because at the end of the day, you ARE running a business and need to make money. 

In this blog post, I’ll give you three tips on how to come up with ideas for social media posts, so writing social media content becomes the easiest thing in the world.

Feeling pumped already and want to get started? Good! Now let’s walk through each step to help you come up with ideas for social media posts. Oh, and there’s also a Daily Social Media Checklist to help you stay on top of your game.

How To Come Up With Ideas For Social Media Posts Tip #1: Use Inspiration From Your Customers + Community

When learning how to write engaging social media posts, there’s a great combo you want to aim for:

Being strategic with your social media marketing posts

Speaking from the heart

One of the ways I’ve been able to truly channel this formula is directly after having a conversation with a 1:1 client or member of my community.

After I have a coaching call with one of my 1:1 clients or an interesting conversation in the DMs, I feel PUMPED. I have high energy and my brain is flowing.

I get most of my ideas for social media posts through two ways:

During a call based on what my clients are struggling with and how I help them through it ON the call.

In a DM conversation with a member of my community, with them opening up about what they’re struggling with.

My biggest tip for you is to utilise the precious time you spend communicating with your people and schedule in time to write down all the “ah-ha” moments they AND you have.

For example, on one of my private client calls last week, my client realised she wasn’t meeting her target audience where they were really at, and her content wasn’t meeting their needs. She never thought the basic stuff she knew were things her ideal customer DIDN’T know.

It was amazing for her to realise yes, she does have all this knowledge and she does have the skills and tools to meet her ideal customer where they’re at. She now feels more aligned with the content she’s creating, it’s increased her confidence, and it made her realise the BASICS aren’t basic to her ideal customer yet!

I immediately wrote this down and it’s ready in Evernote for me to create fully in my list of new social media ideas.

You can also do this with your followers and even family and friends who ask you questions. Here are some things to think about:

What questions do they ask you over and over again?

What do they struggle with all the time?

If you don’t ask you don’t get. So make sure you ask them! A great one-liner to use is: what are you struggling with right now when it comes to XYZ (insert your industry).

Ask that question in polls, DM’s, in your blog posts, emails, etc. Then for those that vote or respond...DIG DEEPER.

Ask them why they voted that way, WHY they think they struggle with that or what about it is hard for them. Get to the real root of the reason they’re struggling and WHY they want to make a change.

In the Busy To Boss Method, we’ll go over ALL of the market research tools I give my private clients so you can get INSANELY clear on exactly WHAT your ideal client wants, needs and would pay for...and how they say it! You’ll also get the questions and invite scrips to make these happen seamlessly. You can apply to join the Busy To Boss Method here.

The reason this method is amazing is because you’re literally speaking to your ideal customer. You’re taking their struggle in THEIR words and putting it into your daily social media post ideas. This will get your DM’s flooded with responses like, “OMG! That is EXACTLY how I feel!”

How To Come Up With Ideas For Social Media Posts Tip #2: Take A Step Back

I know what you’re thinking. HOLLY, this is such standard advice. How do I take a break from something if I’m just going to procrastinate?

I get it, I know you hear this advice everywhere. But I gotta tell you, when I take a step back, go for a walk or have a long soak in the bath...MAGIC HAPPENS bosses!

The key when you take a break to “get inspiration” is to not put so much pressure on yourself to find it. We usually find ideas and inspiration when we’re not looking for it. Cliché, but it’s true.

I know it’s a frustrating statement, but hear me out honestly. When you stop obsessing over trying to force things to happen and become super present in the moment, that’s when your creative juices can actually start flowing. That’s when you’ll start getting mental downloads for new products, freebies, and ideas for social media posts.

So I want to hold you accountable to something right now (I’m going to do it too!) Take a break in your day for 10-30 minutes and either go for a walk or just sit with a brew. Having Lola means I go on a walk with her every lunchtime and walking without technology (God forbid), is SO refreshing.

And just sit within that. Notice what’s around you. Notice your heart, your breath, your hands, your body, the sounds, the smells. Not only do you get ideas for social media posts when you shut your brain off, but you’re happier because you’re in the moment and present.

You’re not thinking about what you wish you happened yesterday or what you have to do tomorrow. You’re just sill. And when you can just BE, you allow yourself to be content.

Don’t forget to download your FREE Daily Social Media Checklist!

How To Come Up With Ideas For Social Media Posts Tip #3: Use Other Places To Get Inspiration

One of my favourite ways to come up with ideas for social media posts is in the shower (#justbeinghonest!) I find when I get in the shower and stop trying to “think” and just blast out some music, I get so inspired and ideas come rushing in.

Again, there’s something to being present on what you’re doing that shuts your brain off that allows it to then be creative. I started getting so many mental downloads in the shower that I had to do a brain dump afterwards! Although you can get a little thing called shower notes too which you can check out here (aff link). 

I’ve also asked my audience about where THEY get inspiration from when it comes to creating content on social media. Here are a few of their tips:

Driving in the car while blasting music

Commuting to work

Listening to podcasts

Reading books

Yoga/Exercise/At the gym

Observing people on Instagram

Reading blog posts

All of these are great places to gain ideas for social media posts! I’ve used all of these methods and my ideas have never felt forced.

A FINAL NOTE

What do each of these strategies have in common? You’re forced to shut your brain OFF. And when we do that, we stop trying to force creativity.

Don’t go into something thinking, “OK inspiration...HIT ME!” Because it won’t work that way. You’ve got to truly just let yourself BE. The more you force it, the more inauthentic it’ll feel. 

This won’t happen overnight. So give it time, be patient, and remember...done is better than perfect. You’ll get better and better at creating good social media content that resonates with your ideal customer. But until you do, you’ll create “okay” content, and that’s OKAY.

My content was rubbish when I started. It was REALLY bad. Then it got better, then it got okay, then it got pretty good, then good. Now I like to think it’s pretty damn good!

But I still have a long way to go to get to great and incredible.

Have fun creating content for social media and stop putting so much pressure on yourself to get it “just right”. That’s how you’ll truly start creating it effortlessly and actually ENJOY this part of marketing your business.

Do you struggle to come up with ideas for social media posts? Which of these tips will you implement first?

Be sure to grab your free daily checklist here so you can stay on top of your social media game!

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[imreallyfuckeduptoo]

dabs

new year, same bitches.

while i may have not known them for years on end, i know that there are too many years to come. lady friends (you know who you are) i’m writing to you because we have to start getting used to snail mail and emails, so, unfortunately, get used to it.

sup mothafuckaaaaaz,

this is most likely going to be the longest letter/note/email you get from me over the next few months. i’m sorry for that, but i promise i’m going to be back way sooner than we all think. all i’m asking is for a few emails and occasional snapchats that won’t give me too much fomo. but in all sincerity, i’m writing this to you because of how heavily you all have impacted me in less than a year. i am high as fuck packing for my trip(?) being nostalgic so this will also be the nicest thing you hear me say in the next few months, too.

disclaimer: the order was random; you’re all equally my number one. let’s begin party people.

lauren/lolo/lola/mama/punk ass,

wow. honestly where am i supposed to begin? the fact that we were supposed to roommates freshman year together because we had a mutual friend that we both have been friendly with and then didn’t even attend the same school and then became roommates the next year???????? because that fucking makes sense??????? but truly, thank you nick watson for bringing you into my life and thank you for bringing katie suh into mine. ~one of the many, many good come ups in 2016~ although i may bully you and peer pressure you in the safest ways possible, i hope i have been a better influence than that because you have influenced me in too many ways. the way that you are constantly hungry for knowledge is always a pleasant reminder to never be closed minded and stay curious to different perspectives. the continuos back and fourth between us is something i look forward to always, but that makes sense considering we are actually the same but completely opposite in every single way??? regardless, i’m happy that you’re one of my soul sista sistaaaaz. while the house will be way more quiet and much cleaner, please take care of yourself and the roomies and don’t miss me too much while i’m gone. i’m going to miss you like crazy, little guy. party rock with blake reynolds for me.

marlaylaaaay,

first off, i would like to apologize for leaving and you not having a consistent taco bell buddy. i would also like to apologize for invading the dorm storms last year but i’m apologizing because now you have to deal with me for the rest of your life. like i always say, we have one of the best unspoken relationships ever (this is somewhat challenging to write because i feel like you already know what i would say). i feel really lucky to have someone like you in my life. you’re bouji-ness reminds me that i want to stay fucking fab *wink wink* at all times and to always walk with my head held high. your strong front and caring heart are always shining through you and being reflected by others. you have a known presence and i’m going to miss it so much for the next few months. take a shot (or many) for me while i’m gone. xx

al,

hey bitch. i’m going to miss calling people (you) that and having them not get offended but rather, taking it as a compliment. i’m also going to miss my lady friend who is always: ready to talk to me about every mediocre/great/fucking insane book ever written and the pros and cons to actually finishing the book, explaining what bitch/cunt/daddy they saw in class and what they did to make you want to talk about them, showing me which yummy boy from home is talking to you and how badly one of us (both?) want to fuck, to get dutch or mcdick’s at any time, any day, down to go with me to do anything, and i am going to miss my lady friend who is always going to make me take a shot. i’m excited to come back and listen to all of those things and more; until then, please keep me updated with constant emails ;)

hanna powers,

hahahahahahaha you are not serious. like, fuck you. i’m pissed off right now because how am i supposed to write about someone as magical as you when god made you eve. you literally have anyone at the palm of your hands it’s fucking amazing. i am still so confused about how you got my bitch ass by your side but i am beyond grateful that we are here now. although i may not tell you this often, i am constantly looking up to you for your honest guidance, sex advice, and positive energy that you bless on everyone. your soul radiates and it’s intoxicating and it’s really, really cool knowing someone who is the epitome of being beautiful on the inside and out. thanks for giving me someone to always look up to. i’ll look for clogs in every country as long as you email me your shoe size.

ø~º~grace~º~ø

that little number ^^^ is because you’re my little trippy hippy and i fucking love it. and speaking of, i’m going to go smoke a bowl for this so brb ;) okay what’s up bitch i am back. i’m supa happy that we got closer this year because you’re always full of surprises. like hello dab (literal dab) queen. that’s the only thing i can think of right this second but i’m high as fuck and i’m thinking about getting high with you because you always are smiling when we smoke. it’s hella cute. another cool thing that you do is really get to know people but so deeply and it’s not always obvious. i like that because it shows that you actually care about your friends and want to get to know them. honest to god, the pens you gave me was one of my favorite gifts i have ever received, along with one of the most thoughtful. it’s seriously the little things but luckily for me, and the rest of the bitches, all the little things add up to you and make the most genuine, forever friend in the world. don’t forget about me too much when you’re smoking at the harbor.

HALEY TALBOT!

ruieagrugharelgraghreigareg. that’s probably the most accurate description for what i feel when i hear your name. there’s so much energy and fun and chaos and i fucking love it. you’re interesting to me because i can literally hear your voice and see your facial expressions when simply thinking about asking you how your day was. you’re unforgettable. right when i met you i knew that you were someone i wanted in my life because i could tell you would only make my life happier and brighter. i cannot wait until we are back in the 212 and we talk for hours while making art. ugh, my words are hard to find for you because you just make me happy. it feels really good to be able to call someone like you my friend because you will never bring anything negative into my life. you’re my little ray of sunshine and talking starfish earrings all at once. how lucky am i? thanks for always making sure i remind myself that.

aidan

hi, bitch! just writing that is making me already miss you jumping around and squealing after not seeing you for a few days. and i know you probably just thought “i’m pissed” and reading that made you even more pissed, but at least you’re smiling ;) it’s crazy to me how you were most likely the first gal pal that i met last year and juST NOW we are realizing we are meant for each other (although i am happy that we at least found each other). i’m going to miss having a mom to talk some sense into me and talking (screaming) and punk ass boys. it’s going to be very challenging to find a minor replacement but i do need someone to make sure everyone gets home safely. i’m also going to miss someone who loves black as much as me. at least your gifts will be easy to shop for. but really, if there isn’t anything that has happened between you and blakers i’m going to be pissed. also if there isn’t nick drama, i will also be pissed. and please no one send me snap chats of that coachella shit because i’m going to be reaaaaally pissed. but, in short, you rock my angsty socks right off. thanks for always being honest, being my backbone, and being the drunkest one at the party but still making sure people are drinking water. don’t party rock too hard (with blakers) without me. bitch.

dsparkzzzzzz,

ugh, my heart. well, first, i’m pretty pissed because we 1734920894% passed each other at least once last year in the dorms and we still just met this year. buuuut, still very glad i did. i find our relationship funny because looking at us from an unbiased opinion, i feel like we just don’t look like we add up. but we add up so fooooking well. that’s also a good thing because we’re going to be work partners for (hopefully) a very long time. i know that we are going to have so many ideas to share with each other once we are reunited again annnnnd noooooow we geT TO START MAKING OUR BIG DREAMS ACTUALLY BIG. you help me get excited and feel inspired and to be soft but conquer the world. there is so much i am going to learn from you and i’m really, really thankful i get to have you in my life. there is nothing in me that would be able to tell you what i would do without you now. i’m happy i never have to find out. send me matthew gray gubler pics when you’re thinking of me, please.

EVERAAAHBADDDIIIII¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡

just kidding, jizzy/jessica/jess/jessica leonard/girl boss, hai. i’m honestly not entirely sure where to start because all of our memories are either very blurry or never were made because we didn’t make a decision. surprise. basically we are a very good example of a “hot mess” or “cluster fuck”. it really does work, though. it’s so nice having someone so confident in themselves that it only makes you want to be confident, too? because there is nothing cooler than watching you talk about your art or memories or passions because your feet sink deeper, your shoulders shift backwards, and your eyes sing. that’s inspiring, dude, it’s fucking inspiring. i also enjoy just being able to call you my friend. there’s nothing bad happening to me when i’m with you. that’s crazy i was able to find my safety net this early, let alone at all. lucky us. but, thanks for the endless things such as: not being mean/passive/hateful to me because of ben, sitting in four hours of traffic to get fucked up for a goddamn padres game, spending thanksgiving with my insane family, always wanting to drink/abuse substances/party rock with me, dreaming so large that our goals seem achievable, and just really getting it. have fun replacing me next term, i’m confident you will do it well.

i know it’s now unrealistic for anyone to be actually reading by now but if you are, lol damn bitch you royal as hell uGH THIS IS WHY.

i’m going to wrap this up quickly because this is way too long and it’s way too late. i’m aware that this was rather circular and probably unnecessary but i needed you to at least have the opportunity to attempt to grasp how much i care about you all. the memories and relationships that have been made in such a short amount of time make me so thrilled for the future with all of you by my side. we are able to move mountains and conquer the world. bitches, we’re fucking invincible.

thank you for many years to come. see you soon my forever friends. i love you, dabs.

best,

liv