#war of thorns

[shirolian]

Thorn Witch and Ivy King

The day of our wedding is finally drawing near. After a month of preparations upon the insistence of my mother, we all were beside ourselves with joy that this arduous journey is at the end. Very little remained from mine and Leopold’s wedding plans but we knew that opposition would not end up well. At least the prolonged waiting gave us time to get to know each other better. The two weeks that we spent together in the palace were marred by the constant pressure and threat that I would be selected as prince’s Guillaume bride, which, in the end, came to pass. When my name was called forth by the King and I had to step forward, my mind was only filled with the thoughts of Leopold and his proposal that he made the night before. Luckily, before anything could be announced, the door to the Throne room bursted open, Leopold standing in the doorway. He whisked me away in front of the whole court, leaving the King no choice but to withdraw, lest he risked public humiliation. 

Reminiscing about the past, I wistfully ignored my mother’s speech as she went once again through the guest list. Our family, di Parisi, is the most powerful noble House in the land with the exception of the Royal House and therefore as it stands, mother invited everyone who means something. Knowing that Leopold is not opposing my mother’s wedding plans precisely for this reason, I keep reading my book about Tremaine’s geography. 

“Daughter, are you listening?” The sharp voice interrupts my thoughts and I glance up. 

“Yes mother? Something on your mind?”

“I said that I invited the King and his son, the Prince. However the accommodations will have to be the best in the house and thus you and duke Stavizzi will make do with your own bedroom.” Mother informed me, her gaze once again falling on the guest list in her hands. 

“Won’t it be awkward though, for the King and the Prince? And do you plan to also invite his new fianceé, Lady Francesca? I would rather avoid having to endure unfriendly gazes at my own wedding.”

Mother’s sharp inhale answered on its own, the words following right behind.

“Out of question, di Parisi will have the King present or else this House will become a laughing stock of the whole country and my work at court would be all naught.”

Sighing, I close the book, my expression pleasant as ever. 

“As you wish, mother.”

Summer days were always considered best for weddings because of the high probability of having sunny weather. It was so on the day of ours. Actually, as my mother wished to have a grand wedding worthy of di Parisi, it was agreed that me and Leopold would have a private ceremony the day before the official festivities. At first the idea of the farce irritated me because it meant that our public wedding would be there only for show, to display the power of the di Parisi House. However, the more the guest list grew, so grew my conviction that it’s probably for the best and using my wits, I secured my mother’s permission to arrange our private and very real ceremony as me and Leopold see fit. 

Standing in front of the mirror, I observe my simple white gown. Tonight, I will wed Leopold as myself, Eloise di Parisi. Tomorrow, in my place will be the daughter of the duke of Florentia and so will the dress change accordingly for a more ornate and luxurious one. 

“Minette, are you really quite sure about this?” Frederique, my dearest brother, hoovers behind me, with a silver hairpin in his palm. I can see his worried expression full of doubts about Leopold’s true intentions. The popular narrative? Cunning as fox and cold as ice, the duke Stavizzi charmed the daughter of the most powerful House in the Kingdom just so he could snag her rich dowry and better his social standing at the court.

“Frederique, place that hairpin in my hair already lest I will think you intend to bet it in your next game of cards,” I smile gently at him and hear his sigh as his worries are promptly brushed off the table. Carefully, he places the hairpin in my updo and observes his work briefly.

“I sincerely hope, sister, that you’ll find happiness in this marriage. You must be happy, for all of us who remain stuck here,” he says with a bittersweet smile and I turn to him, taking his hand in mine.

“You are not the heir of our House, you still have a chance for escape and I believe you will make the most of it.” The reminder makes him nod in agreement and he squeezes my hand, reassuring us both that someday he will make it happen. We then glance to the window, the sun is setting down and the gentle golden rays cast an otherworldly glow on my white dress. 

“Come, sister, let’s make you a married woman.” Frederique’s smile softens and linking my arm with his, he escorts me outside to our private chapel.

The sun is almost set on the horizon when I enter our small chapel in the company of my brother. Hundreds of candles are lit and casting its golden light on the painted walls of holy murals. Hearing us enter, Leopold, dressed in white just like me, turns around and our eyes meet. His gaze is gentle and loving and I return the feelings, conveying the very same with my own expression. In a short moment we cross the distance between the door and the chapel's altar, Frederique releasing my arm from his.

“Take care of my sister, will you?” He says and stands aside as the only witness, along with the priest present.

I glance briefly at Lepold by my left side and he chuckles softly, apparently doing the same. The priest clears his throat, expression amused by our antics and he opens the book of Saints Prayers, placing two silver rings upon it. I shouldn’t feel nervous but here I am, trying to calm down my frantic breathing. The rings received the Holy Blessing and Leopold offers me his hand. When I place my smaller palm upon his, the priest bestows a red silken ribbon to signify the union. 

“Leopold, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after Saints ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health so long as you both shall live?”

“I will.” 

“Eloise, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after Saints ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey and serve him, love, honour and keep him in sickness and in health, so long as you both shall live?”

“I will.” My voice is a bit shaky but I swear the oath nonetheless. The priest removes the silken ribbon, offering us the book of Saint Prayers with the rings. I turn slightly to my left and Leopold takes the ring decorated with sapphire. Gently taking my hand in his other one, his grey eyes gaze into mine. Whoever said that he is marrying me for my name would be proven wrong at this very moment, for his eyes speak nothing but love. 

“With this ring I thee wed…” He pauses for a moment and starts sliding the ring down upon my finger. “...and with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow.” 

The ring, secured on my finger, shines and I can feel my cheeks flush with warmth. Reaching for the second matching ring without any gem, I feel like my legs might give out at any moment. My hand shakes slightly and he notices, instantly taking it in his own and caressing it reassuringly with his thumb. In silence, I slide his ring on and gaze up. 

“In the name of all Saints, I pronounce that they be man and wife together.”

I exhale in relief and Leo smiles warmly. He places a hand on my back pulling me closer while his other hand laces with my fingers clasping our hands together. He bends down slightly and his nose brushes with my own. It’s not our first kiss but I blush either way due to the presence of others. The soft and very brief sensation of his lips upon mine passes all too quickly and my eyes flutter open, taking in the handsome face of my now husband. 

“Eloise Stavizzi, Duchess of Tremaine.” He says my new name and title, enjoying the sound of it. And, to be honest, I like it too. Very much so - not because of its grandeur, but because it ties me to Leo, the man I love dearly as one can love someone whom you know for two months.

“Husband.” I reply, smiling fondly and he places another kiss on my cheek.

“Dearest.”

Frederique snorts in the background and the priest flashes us a benevolent smile while Leo links our arms and, together, we walk outside into the starry night.

[war-of-thorns]

Chapter 4: ***TRIGGER WARNING: DEATH OF A CHILD/BABY***

Im using Morbid Sims Ultimate Legacy as a guide for my story. It is currently early 1300s. So, children do die during this time period. In this chapter we go have this happen.

The heavy oak door closed with a finality that echoed through the room, sealing Drakaida within its confines. She paced the length of her room, footsteps muffled by the thick rug beneath her feet. She tried to push aside the fear and doubt that threatened to consume her, 'what would her father's punishment be.'

The daylight passed slowly outside her window, but still, Drakaida remained trapped within her prison, her mind a whirlwind of regrets and what-ifs. Had she made the right choice in letting the soldier go free? Or had she doomed herself to a fate worse than death?

As the hours stretched on, she emerged herself in her studies. She knew that he wouldn't leave her locked away forever, knew that she would have to face her father's judgment eventually.

Kaida sat by the flickering hearth, her eyes filled with worry and concern. The news of her daughter's actions and punishment had reached her ears like a thunderclap, shattering the fragile peace of their home.

Beside her, her husband, Drakaida's father, paced the length of the room, his brow furrowed with anger and frustration.

"I can't believe she would do something so reckless," he muttered, his voice thick with emotion. "She knows the consequences of her actions; knows the danger she's put us all in."

"She did what she thought was right," Kaida said softly, her voice barely more than a whisper.

"This isn't about her feelings," he said, his voice hardening with resolve. "This is about loyalty, about duty to our people."

"You can not be serious" she angrily jumps to her feet, "What about my people! That soldier is one of my people, he comes from my Fathers lands" her voice rises as she approaches him. "I turned my back on those people for you."

Her husband regarded her for a long moment, "The elves stopped being your people when your father started this war."

"What about Drakaida; she is our daughter, our flesh and blood." Kaida tried a different approach. "The soldier is gone, he has not come to attack us, let it go"

"Our children don't know their heritage, Drakaida is the heir to the throne and does not even know it" she implored, her eyes searching her husbands for understanding. "They don't understand the sacrifices that were made, the blood that was spilled just for us to be together. All they see is the war, the hatred, the endless cycle of violence."

Her husband listened in silence; his expression unreadable as he considered her words. The weight of their family's legacy pressed heavily upon him.

As the seasons turned and the world outside began to awaken from its winter slumber, a sense of renewal filled the air. In the garden, Kaida and Siora, Drakaida's younger sister, spent their days tending to the earth, their laughter a melody that echoed through the trees.

From her window, Drakaida watched them with a mixture of longing and regret. The news of her mother's pregnancy had brought a spark of joy to their home.

As she watched Siora put her hand in Kaida's belly feeling the new baby kick. With a sigh, she tore her gaze away from the window and turned back to the solitude of her room. She closed her eyes and whispered a silent prayer for her family, for her unborn sibling.

Sarya is upset that with Drakaida locked away in her room, her duties as caretaker of the Dragons and Hawks fell to her.

With a deep breath, she pushed open the doors to the mews. The Dragons and Hawks greeted her with curious chirps and rumbles, their eyes gleaming with intelligence.

As the days stretched into weeks and Kaida's confinement drew near, Drakaida remained locked away in her room. Drakaida's father, burdened by the weight of his daughter's isolation and the impending arrival of his new child, relented to the pleas of his wife and allowed Drakaida to emerge from her room under the watchful eye of a guard.

With a mixture of relief and trepidation, Drakaida stepped out into the world once more, her heart pounding in her chest as she breathed in the fresh air of freedom. Beside her, the guard kept a vigilant watch, making sure she did not try to leave the grounds.

As the days passed and Kaida's pregnancy progressed, a shadow of concern fell over the Castle. Kaida had been getting sick more and more frequently and losing weight she should be gaining.

"Are you okay?" Drakon asked gently as he approached her in their chambers.

Kaida forced a weak smile, "I'm fine," she reassured him, though her words lacked conviction.

But her husband saw through the facade, his eyes filled with worry as he reached out to gently brush a stray lock of hair from her forehead.

"You don't seem fine," he said softly, his voice tinged with concern. "You've been getting sick most days. I'm worried about you, Kaida. We should have a healer look at you."

Kaida shook her head, her stomach churning with nausea as she struggled to find the words to reassure him. "It's just… it's just morning sickness, I am a healer I know what I am talking about" she insisted, though even to her own ears, the lie sounded hollow.

But her husband wasn't convinced, his brow furrowed with worry as he knelt beside her, his hand resting gently on her stomach.

"I don't think it's just morning sickness," he said quietly, his voice filled with a mixture of fear and determination. "I think there's something more going on. We need to find out what's wrong."

As concern for Kaida's health and the health of the baby spread through the castle, Drakon, found himself faced with a dilemma. His wife's sickness weighed heavily on his heart, but he knew that he needed to be strong for their children, to reassure them and offer them comfort in their time of worry.

One evening, as the twins laid in bed the questioned him with furrowed brows and worried expressions, "Is Mama going to be okay?" they asked in unison, their voices filled with fear and uncertainty. "Is the baby okay?"

Drakon sat down on the bed beside them, his heart breaking at the sight of their concern. "we're going to do everything we can to help her get better."

The twins exchanged worried glances, their young faces creased with worry. "But what if she doesn't get better?" they asked, their voices trembling with fear.

Drakon took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "We don't know what the future holds," he said gently, his voice steady despite the turmoil that churned within him. "But we can't lose hope. Your mother is strong, and she's surrounded by people who love her. We'll get through this together, no matter what."

As the long-awaited day arrived, the air was thick with anticipation and nervous energy. Kaida, weakened by sickness lay in bed as pain consumed her body.

But as the hours passed and the moment of birth drew near, a shadow of fear fell over the household. The midwife's brow furrowed with concern as she worked tirelessly to bring the baby into the world, her hands moving with practiced skill and precision.

But as Kaida gave one final push the baby arrived. "Oh my" the midwife exclaimed as she pulled the newborn close, a fragile bundle that offered such promise lay still and silent, her tiny chest unmoving, their joy turned to fear.

Panic surged through the room as Drakon grabbed the baby from the midwife. He did not know what to do but decided to push air into the babies small lips. Due to his efforts, the baby finally drew a small breath.

He handed the small baby to Kaida and she gladly accepted her into her arms. "Alara, we will call her Alara for my mother" she whispers kissing her small forehead.

In the weeks that followed Alara's birth, a fragile sense of hope had bloomed. Despite the initial scare, Alara had appeared to thrive, her tiny form growing stronger with each passing day, bringing a glimmer of joy to her family's hearts.

But then, as suddenly as she had seemed to recover, Alara's health took a turn for the worse. Kaida watched helplessly as her newborn daughter began to vomit up every drop of milk she consumed, her tiny body wasting away before her eyes.

Desperation clawed at Kaida's heart as she sought answers, "Drakon, we must try something. Bring me goat milk and a spoon" she told her husband as she fetched her medicine chest. For a few days Alara seemed to tolerate the goat milk with a tincture Kaida added but it seemed to offer temporary relief before Alara's symptoms returned with renewed force.

As the days turned into weeks and Alara's condition continued to deteriorate, a sense of helplessness overcame the family. Kaida watched in anguish as her daughter grew weaker and thinner, her cries of pain echoing through the halls of their home.

Kaida finally realized that Alara was suffering from a rare and deadly illness, one that had plagued infants in their region for generations. All they could do was pray and hope for the best.

The solemn toll of the funeral bells echoed through the village the family gathered to bid farewell to their beloved Alara. The air was heavy with grief as Kaida and Drakon stood side by side, their hearts shattered by the loss of their precious daughter.

With tears streaming down their cheeks, they followed the procession to the family vault, where Alara would be laid to rest alongside her paternal grandparents. With heavy hearts, they said their final farewells to their precious Alara, their voices choked with emotion as they whispered words of love and sorrow into the stillness of the vault. And as they turned to leave, their footsteps heavy with the weight of their grief, they knew that Alara would live on in their hearts forever, a cherished memory to be treasured for all eternity.

[secretly-a-trekkie]

A tragedy.

[boggsart]

audio seemed fitting

[ghostymarni]

-a daily within the coruscant guard

[astral-veil]

Happy Spoopy Month

[motherofoompaloompas]

Memes that have definitely been sent to the Corries' group chat

Pt 1, Pt 2, Pt 3, Pt 4, Pt 5, Pt 6, Pt 7, Pt 8, Pt 9, Pt 10

[amikoroyaiart]

I missed my favourite Coruscant Guards so here is Thorn and Fox!

[blitzink]

a huge project i’ve been working on all semester!

Star Wars The Clone Wars Poster Collection<3

[samkuchingdraws]

The Mouth of Mordremoth

This Elder Dragon from GUILD WARS 2 still intrigues me to this day. The fact that it used to be corporeal, before 'growing into' the Heart of Maguuma itself, present within the vines and only physically manifest as the Mouth, makes me wonder what it really used to look like before all that.

Art Prints | RedBubble Shop

[wannakissrobits]

I normally would never have been interested in House of the Dragon or Star Wars: Acolyte, it’s just not my thing.

But here I am watching them.

I have to.

[war-of-thorns]

Chapter 3

Unbeknownst to Drakaida, her absence had not gone unnoticed. Drannor, had seen her coming out of the forest and sneaking to the castle.

"Drakaida," his voice boomed, echoing through the dawn air.

Startled, Drakaida turned, her eyes widening in surprise as she beheld the imposing figure of Drannor. Caught in the act, she stood frozen, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Where have you been?" Drannor demanded, his eyes narrowing as he looked at her.

For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air. "I was out for a walk," she lied, her voice firm but tinged with vulnerability.

Drannor regarded her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a solemn nod, he extinguished his torch, enveloping them in darkness once more.

As the first light of dawn painted the sky in hues of orange and gold, Drannor stood at the edge of the bailey, his thoughts swirling like the mist that clung to the forest floor. The events of the previous morning weighed heavily on his mind, his footsteps echoing in the silence of the early morning.

Drakaida's actions had seemed strange, why would a young lady go walking so early in the morning. Again, this morning she had snuck out of the castle, should he follow her to the cabin, confront her once more?

With a heavy heart, Drannor made his decision. He would follow her, not out of suspicion or mistrust, but out of a desire to protect his sister.

Quietly, he slipped through the forest following her path, his senses alert to every rustle of leaves and whisper of wind. Suddenly the hunters cabin loomed ahead smoke coming from its long unused chimney, its timbers weathered by time and strife, a silent witness to the secrets hidden within its walls.

As he approached, Drannor hesitated, his hand hovering over the door. What would he find inside? What was Drakaida doing inside.

With a steadying breath, he pushed open the door and stepped inside. The air was thick with the scent of herbs and healing poultices, a stark contrast to the smoke and sweat of the battlefield. And there, in the dim light of dawn, he saw her.

Drakaida knelt beside the wounded soldier, her hands moving with practiced skill as she tended to his injuries. Her eyes met his, a mixture of surprise and resignation flickering in their depths.

"DRAKAIDA! What are you doing?" Drannor exclaimed, his voice heavy with emotion. "He is the enemy."

"You betrayed me!" the soldier exclaimed trying to get up.

"I never, he must of followed me" she replied jumping to her feet. "Drannor; I can explain"

Tension crackled in the air like lightning as Drakaida and Drannor stood facing each other in the dimly lit cabin. The wounded soldier lay between them, a silent witness to the clash of convictions that threatened to tear them apart. Drakaida marched outside her eyes blazing with defiance.

"I won't let you turn him in," she declared, her voice ringing with determination. "He's injured, defenseless. He deserves a chance at life, not imprisonment or worse."

Drannor's jaw tensed, his expression hardened, "He's an enemy combatant," he countered, his voice as cold as steel. "He poses a threat to our people, to our kingdom. We can't afford to show mercy to our enemies."

"Mercy isn't weakness," Drakaida shot back, her voice rising with passion. "It's what sets us apart from them. If we abandon our humanity now, what hope do we have for peace in the future?"

Drannor's resolve was unyielding, his duty to his people etched into every line of his face. "Our father needs to know about this. He'll decide what to do with the prisoner." He turned and stalked back to the castle

Drakaida's breath caught in her throat, the weight of his words pressing down on her like a stone. She had known this moment would come, had known that their father's judgment would hang over them like a shadow.

The forest whispered secrets as Drakaida made her way back home, her footsteps light but her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. As she approached the castle, a chill swept through her veins, sending shivers down her spine. But still, she couldn't bring herself to regret what she had done. In her heart, she knew that she had made the right choice.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps, heavy and purposeful. She turned, her breath catching in her throat as she beheld the imposing figure of her father, his eyes ablaze with fury.

"Drakaida," he said, his voice a thunderous roar that echoed through the trees. "Where have you been? What have you done?"

"I've been helping someone in need," she replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil that churned within her. "Someone who deserved a chance at life, just like anyone else."

"You defy me," he spat, his voice low and dangerous. "You defy our people. You betray everything we stand for."

Drakaida's heart pounded in her chest as she braced herself for his wrath, for the punishment that she knew would come. "I won't apologize for showing compassion," she said, her voice trembling but unwavering. "I won't apologize for doing what I believe is right."

"You leave me no choice," he said quietly, his voice heavy with sorrow. "Guards, take my daughter to her room and make sure she doesnt leave."

"Father what are you doing" she asked shocked he would take these actions.

"I am going to get the soldier and lock him in the dungeon" he angrily shouted.

"You will not find him" she said chin up. "I put him on a horse and sent him away."

[secretly-a-trekkie]

gimme 5 seasons of murder mysteries in coruscant rn Disney. or else.

[boggsart]

nice lil rainy day on coruscant All 3 are up on Patreon in high res ✨

[meshla-cyarika]

[astral-veil]

Boopocalypse is back !