#sorry i am patheric

[p1-f1]

Sorry y'all fics delayed

I started thinking and crying so yeah

I'm not okay lmfao but the fics delayed

#istg #one day i will do somethint i regret #i feel like im so simple but o start thinking and realize how fuckinbg strange and just like patheric i am #pifi rambles #sorry

[thevashta-narada]

Who the fuck gave Caspian the right to look so gaddamn pretty with his hair half up/half down?

#sorry i am patheric #he is so pretty tho #ahhhhhh i pove caspian so mich #and edmund #but #caspians hair ❤❤👌 #chronicles of narnia #narnia #vodt #voyage of the dawn treader #vdt #prince caspian X #caspian #edmund #(and my casmund shipper ass is certain edmund would agree with me) #😂 #Im only kind of sorry #i love him so much

[snickiebear]

WHAT'S THE NOVEL?? spill the tea, sis.

MOUSEY!!

oKAY SO my novel!!! it has been living in my head since i was thirteen and it has gone through so many drafts and beginnings over the years until last year i sat down and actually began writing it.

i've briefly spoken about it here and here also :) (that summary/pitch is a bit dated, still accurate tho!)

Forged of Stars and Bone (originally: Star Forged) is winding up to be 100k of wlw badasses, magic, flying cats, demons, dragons, huge glowing mushrooms, lesbian pirates, mermaids, found family, sacrifices, women with WEAPONS, eaten gods (and not), and finding oneself but also falling in love.

it starts with Hala, a runaway princess from the age eleven, who is one of the last Demon Summoner mages, and is still being hunted down by the king's Royal Guard because magic is forbidden in Anamel (one of the three kingdoms of the continent Arelia). Hala is in possession of a staff carved full of Demon Symbols so that she may call upon her beasties (aka: her family in every sense of the word. She hears their voices in her head all day, everyday LOL)

Then enter Keyara— the very last Demon Slayer mage with the unholy power of Fire— and Cegon— a very large pather with huge bat wings— who are the remaining of the hidden Demon Slayer population and have been hunting for those who destroyed their home for three years. (Keyara has a HUGE battle hammer that glows purple and is super fucking cool. Cegon is more of a pacifist and mother hen so no fighting for him)

Hala is twenty-four. Keyara and Cegon are twenty-six.

They meet by chance (or is it fate?) and end up saving each other from their own pursers. Then, ultimately they end up traveling together when Hala gets a message from her dear friend Tania, the Fae Queen of Nim (found on the continent Ackilenda) about an incoming threat and needs Hala's aid immediately.

There we meet not only Tania (one of my favorites because i just love her) but the Brothers Grim (!!!!!!!! I LOVE) who are very well known Generals of past wars and have made a name for themselves. Ajal is the leader, also known as the Defyer of Death ;). Col is our loveable tank of a man, Boarheart is his alias. Then Helyas is my Shadow Master and dry but witty-humored, skinny man. Each has their own named and very respected weapons.

(There is so much i can say about Tania + the Brothers Grim that i would need to make a new post LMAO so sorry for rambling)

There is so much world building and so many fun characters in this little project of mine and just!!! Self love and healing!!!! Most characters here are POC and queer. Tania is blind and I have a BAMF Fae General (Kaida) who is deaf, a transgender lesbian pirate (who is a runaway lord's child), many nonbinary characters also. Like!!!! It's honestly just super indulgent LOL

oh! Hala is demisexal while as Keyara is a raging bisexual :)

And the villain isn't your traditional one either, which i really really love. Spoilers! but basically our antagonist is a child who is being manipulated by one of my favorite Dark Demons (Thalgrokar) for timely revenge for something very important ;)))

Literally i could go on forever about this novel, i love talking about it and it's currently in its second draft! Though, i'm starting it from a totally different place than the first so it's giving me some real issues but!! I am so excited to dive into this world and characters again.

also this is the playlist for FOSAB! BUT YEAH i just kind of info dumped the basics of this (and favorite tidbits) but if you have any specific questions i will gladly answer!! this has been living in my head for years upon years now and just! getting it out has been the best experience :))

EDIT: ALSO this would hopefully be the first book of a trilogy (The World Bleeds). Forged of Stars and Bone, Born of Fire and Rot, Made of Divinity and Death

though the "Made" is still being debated...

thank you for asking mousey :'''))))

#silly things from silly friends #forged of stars and bones #yes i made up all place names and demon names up myself #character names are from a fantasy name generator LOL #except for hala and keyara bc their names mean sum

[mayakern]

I got so into spitfire that I stayed up until 4am reading it and I'm not even done. I have a few questions about your choice of Zaza as an alternative to papa or mama: is it just unique to those two or more common for everyone? also does the theory that the gendered ones came about because they are common monosyllable babies say easily because no teeth or difficult tounge movements are used fit into your world? i.e. the language

ah that sent too early my finger slipped sorry. I was going to ask if in the language they're originally speaking it's actually a different sound that is simply transcribed as z. If it's not that's totally cool too! I love your world building so far and am just a bit of a word nerd

aww thank you that’s so sweet, i’m so happy you’re enjoying it so far!

i also have to be totally up front: i am not a language buff in any way. i have some basic over-arching ideas/themes, like there being a common alphabet (with some variations) for most of the more widely used human languages on Tir Lua, since they all either share a root or a near neighbor to that root, and this sort of goes along with my idea of the continent being (in terms of the human population) a place for transplants, so it’s both kinda isolated and multi-cultural at the same time. or at least that’s what i use as an excuse for “casting” a lot of this thing like the 90′s cinderella movie with brandy in it lol.

as for zaza specifically — i googled to find non-gendered parental terms and found things like zaza, pather/para, pare (short for parent), baba, maddy (mama + daddy), moppa, nibi, nopa (nonbinary parent) and out of all of that i liked zaza best for lysithea and halwynn specifically. 

this is partly just because i like the sound of it, partly because it’s easier to extend into a formal version as well (zather), and partly because i liked it not being a combination of mama/papa, and partly because i definitely think the Larish language would have wayyyy more pronouns than the others. for reasons. lol

but also i did this for the vibe of lysithea, like, bursting into a room, posing, and saying the equivalent of “paPA!” in a dramatic voice, when there is also an explicitly more formal version. very much that “heiress to a disturbingly wealthy and doting family got a degree in musical theatre” vibe.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 32: 3 Targets

Friday morning, and Ren has just finished getting dressed for school. She turned around. “Alright, you can look now. Huh?” She was surprised to see Morgana not perched upon the windowsill. Instead, Morgana crawled out from under the bed. Ren sank down to meet him. “What are you doing down there?”

“You said I shouldn’t look when you’re changing,” Morgana said. He hopped on the bed so that Ren could stand up. “I wasn’t looking.”

“Right, but when you do that, you usually look out the window,” Ren said. “What happened?”

Morgana seemed a little embarrassed. “While you were out with Mishima last night, this woman almost kidnapped me…”

“WHAT?!” Ren said, shocked.

“I was worried that that woman would see me and try to take me again,” Morgana said. “Man, why do I have to have this cat body?”

“What happened?” Ren asked, picking up Morgana.

“Wha?” Morgana said, shocked at getting picked up. “Well, uh, I was walking around, minding my own business, when I heard someone shout ‘SNOWBALL!’ At first I didn’t pay it much mind, but she ran up to me and tried picking me up. I ran away from her but she just kept chasing me.

Eventually, I ran toward this old man in the neighborhood. He was confused initially, but when he heard her screaming ‘SNOWBALL!’ he seemed to pick up on what was going on. He tucked me away and shooed her off. If I never see her again, it’ll be too soon.”

Ren set Morgana down and then sat down herself. “Did you happen to catch a name?”

“Well, oddly enough, yeah” Morgana said. “After she left the old man sighed and said ‘Crazy ol’ Ryoko Aino at it again.’ He also looked at me and said ‘She keeps taking cats. How many would you be? 11? 13?’ Why?”

“Well, I was thinking of getting the gang together and paying her a visit” Ren answered.

“Huh?” Morgana said.

Ren giggled. “You’ll see.” Morgana popped into Ren’s bag and the two headed off to school.

After school, Ren got a message from Mishima.

Mishima: Hey, I just noticed a dire request on the Phansite.

Mishima: And guess what? It’s from our school.

Mishima: Apparently this one kid named Daisuke Takanashi is hardcore bullying a bunch of students.

Mishima: Sometimes it even gets physical.

Mishima: Do you want me to make it known that the Phantom Thieves are after him?

Ren: Sure.

Ren: Also, could you do that for two other people?

Mishima: Of course! Anything for the Phantom Thieves!

Ren: Great!

Ren: Do that for Heiji Ono and Ryoko Aino.

Mishima: Done and done!

“That’s what you meant?!” Morgana yelped.

“Shhhh” Ren said. “People might hear you.”

“We’re going to change her heart?” Morgana continued.

Ren nodded. ”If she keeps kidnapping cats, the streets of Yongen-Jaya won’t be safe for cats… Or you…”

Morgana fussed. “I guess it’s fine in some contexts.”

“Alright! So, let’s get everyone together” Ren said.

“Huh? We’re doing these today?” Morgana questioned.

Ren nodded. “I figure it would be easier than jumping three basically unaware people into a palace.”

“Makes sense,” Morgana said. “Hey, wait! Was that a snide remark at me?”

Ren smiled. “Perhaps. But at the same time, I think we needed to steal Kamoshida’s heart in order to get people to believe us. So it’s even.”

“Well… alright…” Morgana said.

Ren messaged the group chat.

Ren: Alright everyone, we’re meeting up today!

Soon, they all met up in the access hall. “Alright! Are we going to give Madarame what’s coming to him?!” Ryuji said.

“Not so loud!” Ann hushed him. “We’re still in public.”

“Sorry,” Ryuji said.

“Well, to answer your question, not yet,” Ren said. Everyone was surprised. “I was thinking of doing a bit of training first.”

“Training how?” Sumire asked.

Ren turned to face Sumire. “Remember that place where your Persona first awakened?” Sumire nodded. “That place is called Mementos. It serves as a palace for the general public, and it’s where we can steal the hearts of people without a palace.”

“Huh” Sumire said.

“So, you wanna head down there?” Ann asked.

Ren nodded. “I figure it might help Sumire, and Yusuke get used to the Metaverse some more, and maybe get Jose some Phantom Thief experience..”

“Well, I could use some practice,” Yusuke said.

Jose nodded. “I guess I might need some assistance working as a team.”

“Well, do we have any marks?” Ryuji asked.

“Three” Ren answered.

“Well let’s hear them,” Ryuji said.

“Yeah, we do have to agree on them before we can go after them” Ann reminded them.

Ren nodded. “First, there’s a bully at our school; Daisuke Takanashi. Apparently he’s even getting physical.”

“No way!” Ryuji said. “We can’t let that stand.”

“I agree,” Yusuke said.

“Daisuke Takanashi?” Sumire said. She thought. “OK, let’s do this.”

“Alright, second is this old man who keeps disturbing the peace in Kichijoji named Heiji Ono. Apparently, he’s also feigning ignorance about it every time he does it.”

“Huh? What does that mean?” Jose asked.

“It means he says he doesn’t know what he’s doing when he does,” Ann explained. “And although it might seem a bit harsh, I say we go for it. I can’t stand people who keep getting away with things due to some special treatment.”

Ren nodded. “And lastly, poor little Morgana here almost got kidnapped last night”.”

“Don’t… Don’t phrase it like that” Morgana said. “It makes me sound less cool.”

“Awww, poor Morgana” Jose said. He started petting him. “It’s OK. We all have weak moments.”

Morgana was slightly embarrassed, but he did enjoy the petting. “Thanks…”

“Taking Morgana would not have been the first time she kidnapped a cat,” Ren continued. “We need to change her heart to keep her from taking cats in the future.”

“I agree,” Sumire said. “Taken away by a stranger to a place you don’t know. It sounds harrowing, especially for a cat. … Oh, but I don’t mean to compare you to just a regular cat, Morgana-senpai.”

“It’s… fine…” Morgana relented. “In this case, I’d be no different than an actual cat.”

“So, it sounds like we’re all in agreement then” Ren said. Everyone else nodded. “Great. I had Mishima alert them on the Phansite already. Now, let’s head to Mementos.” Everyone prepared and headed out.

Once they arrived, Yusuke was taken by surprise. “Oh my. What a strange garden.”

“Oh yeah. Yusuke hasn’t been here before” Ann remarked.

Sumire was silent. “Hey” Ren said. “It’s going to be alright. Things changed since the last time you were down here.” She took her hand. “You’ve changed.”

Sumire blushed. “Thanks senpai.”

Yusuke held his hands out to make a frame. “What an intricate display of madness. I might need to paint this someday.”

“Yeah, maybe hold off on that until we can get Madarame to stop claiming your works of art are his” Ryuji told him.

“Hmmm. You’re right” Yusuke said. “Madarame hasn’t even seen this. To have him take credit for it…”

Ryuji looked at him. “Man, I’d like to live in your head for like five minutes.”

“I’d like that too,” Morgana said. “Then maybe you’ll see why Panther deserves a portrait of herself.”

“WHAT?!” Ryuji snapped back.

“Hm. What clever thinking” Yusuke said.

“Yeah. I’d like that too” Ann giggled.

“If you were to live in my head, then you would know at first glance that Pather’s beauty and radiance deserves a nude portrait unto itself!” Yusuke continued.

“WHAT?!” shouted Ann, Ryuji, and Morgana.

“Huh? Did I not mention that?” Yusuke asked.

“YOU MOST CERTAINLY DID NOT!” Ann shrieked.

“Huh. My apologies” Yusuke said. “However, for what it’s worth, I wouldn’t have asked you to get naked for me if you didn’t want to. I would have just looked up references for the remaining parts.”

“That’s… um…” Ann said, face turning red. “Is that better?”

“I don’t think so,” Ryuji answered. “Why the Hell do you need to draw her nude to show off her beauty, when anyone with two working eyes can see she’s beautiful inside and out?”

“Urgh!” Yusuke said, shaken. “Forgive me. It seems I need to reevaluate my perspectives.”

Sumire patted him on the shoulder. “You’re only starting to break free from Madarame’s grasp. These things take time.”

“Thank you, Violet,” Yusuke said.

“Skull…” Ann said. “That’s so sweet… But… Where the Hell was this last week?!”

“Oh… You’re still mad about that huh…” Ryuji said.

Jose was curious. “What happened last week?”

“Ah, nothing!” Ann said. Sumire and Ren giggled.

“Look, I’m sorry about that,” Ryuji said.

Ann pouted. “I just want to know why that was your first instinct.”

“Well…” Ryuji said, rubbing the back of his head. “Ugh, this is going to sound embarrassing. I just thought, I dunno, we hung out often enough. I thought I said everything else worth saying during those moments.” Ann was surprised. “But I guess Kamoshida ruined that too, didn’t he…”

“No…” Ann said. “No, you’re fine. I just… wouldn't mind hearing those things again, you know?”

“Oh… Why didn’t I think of that?” Ryuji said.

“Hm. What a marvelous duo” Yusuke said. “Would you mind if I painted the two of you together? Fully clothed, of course.”

“Huh? Well, maybe…” Ann thought.

“GAH!” Ryuji yelled. “How did we get onto this? I’ll answer the painting question later. Right now, I wanna change some hearts.”

Ann pouted again. “Skull…”

“He has a point though,” Ren said. “We came down here for a reason.”

“I agree,” Jose said. “We can’t keep those hearts waiting.”

“Right…” Ann said. “Alright Mona, do your thing!”

“Thing? What thing?” Sumire asked.

“Heh. It’s showtime” Morgana said. “TRANSFORM!” he transformed into the car.

“WOAH!” Sumire said. “You can do that?”

“Of course!” Morgana said.

“Then why does Joker-senpai have to walk everywhere?” Sumire asked. Ren burst out laughing.

“Mona can only do this in the Metaverse” Ann explained.

“Yeah. Otherwise I’d totally do that” Ren said, wiping tears from her eyes.

“I see…” Sumire.

“So, Fox, what are your thoughts on this?” Ryuji asked.

Yusuke was fascinated. “While I am familiar with the concept, to see it actually happen… I’m truly amazed.”

“Do you want to paint me too?” Morgana asked.

Yusuke thought for a second. “Well, I wouldn’t go that far. But it is a nice novelty.” Morgana pouted.

The gang entered the Morgana car and they started driving down. Sumire looked out the window. “Man, this place looks so different from a car.”

“Well, Mementos does change every time you enter it,” Morgana said.

“Really?” Sumire said.

Ren nodded. “But I think I get what you mean.”

“Yeah, you were wandering around for a while before we found you” Ann said.

“Wait, come to think of it, WHY did you venture down here anyways?” Ryuji asked.

“Huh. I guess we never got an answer to that” Ann said.

“Well, I’m assuming I gave her the app,” Ren explained. “And she just happened to pass by.”

“Yeah… Something like that…” Sumire said.

“It seems better if we do not push the issue,” Yusuke said.

Ryuji sighed. “How do you think normal is this situation?” he mumbled.

They came to the other platform on the first level. “Huh? We’re at the end already? But we haven’t found a single target” Yusuke exclaimed.

“No, this is just the first floor,” Ann said.

“Of how many?” Yusuke asked.

“No idea,” Ryuji answered.

“WHAT?!” Yusuke shrieked.

“Wait, Jose, would you know?” Ren asked.

Jose shook his head. “There’s this huge door downstairs, and I couldn’t get it open when I was down here.”

“Huh” Ryuji said. “We opened it no problem.”

“WHAT?!” Jose said.

“Well, I wouldn’t say ‘no problem’” Ren added. “The door responds to being part of the collective unconscious. Since you were basically an unknown, it makes sense you couldn’t open it.”

“Huh. I see” Jose said.

“Don’t beat yourself up over it,” Yusuke said. “There are many things in this world that you cannot possibly know alone. For instance, it took coming into contact with all of you to help me realize that something needed to be done about Madarame.”

“I guess you’re right…” Jose said.

“Anyways, let’s go,” Ryuji said. “Time to see what’s even further.”

“Though I don’t suppose we’re getting to the bottom any time soon…” Ann added.

“Yeah,” Ren said. “If Eris is waiting for us at the bottom, I think we need to become more well known among the public.”

“So, let me get this straight,” Ryuji said. “Eris wants us to meet her down there, but we can’t get there yet, so she’s helping us by creating various life-or-death situations based on a plan by a different guy she killed and stole it from.”

“Basically” Ren said.

Ryuji sighed. “Ugh. This couldn’t get more complicated.”

“I wouldn’t be too sure about that,” Morgana chimed in. “Anything can happen in the metaverse.”

“I guess you’re right” Ryuji resigned. They continued down.

They traveled Mementos a little bit until they found one of the targets. They jumped through the portal. “That must be Daisuke Takanashi’s shadow!” Morgana exclaimed.

“Time to put a stop to this bullying!” Ryuji said.

Sumire just looked at him. “...Daisuke…”

The thieves confronted him. “So, you’re the Phantom Thieves, huh?” Daisuke said. “Excellent! Ready to team up?”

“Why would we team up with a vicious bully like you?!” Ann shouted.

“To rule that pathetic school!” Daisuke answered. “With our might combined, we can make the new law of the land.”

“Tch. As if” Ryuji said. “We don’t take kindly to people pushing around others for their own amusement.”

“I agree,” Yusuke said. “It’s time we teach you some manners.”

“So that’s how it’s going to be?” Daisuke said. He transformed into a Jack Frost. “BRING IT ON!” After a quick battle, Daisuke lost. “DAMMIT!” he cried. “Why can I never be strong enough?”

“Strong enough for what?” Morgana ased.

“ANYTHING!” Daisuke answered.

“Daisuke…” Sumire said. “What happened between you and Kimi?”

“Huh? You know Kimi?” Daisuke asked.

“Well, um… yes…” Sumire said. “We’re, um, in the same ballet class… She hasn’t been herself since you broke up with her…”

Daisuke looked at Sumire. “GAH! Fine. I guess I should tell you. This other kid at school caught me shoplifting.”

“WHAT?!” Ann said.

“He told me he’d show them to the police if I didn’t do what he said,” Daisuke continued. “I didn’t want anything bad to happen, so I complied. But over time, I started hating the person I became. I had to break up with Kimi before I did something I’d regret even more.”

“So that’s it,” Ren said. Daisuke nodded.

“Hm. If you can tell us about this person, maybe we can change their heart” Jose responded.

“Heh. Sounds like a plan” Daisuke said.

“But afterwards, you have to promise to make it up to Kimi!” Sumire shouted.

“Of course,” Daisuke said. “I wouldn’t want anything more. I’ll log into that Phansite and put up a post there or something. I’ll also make it up to the store I stole from. Later.” Shadow Diasuke disappeared, and Ren took the treasure left behind.

They left and continued. “Man, this Mementos stuff is paying off!” Ryuji exclaimed. “We found Madarame like this, and now we found someone else too!”

“Yeah, but I don’t think this blackmailer will have a palace like Madarame,” Ann said.

Ryuji pouted. “Well, maybe someone could be bullying him and we keep going up the chain.”

“I doubt we’d get that lucky,” Morgana said.

Ren looked at Sumire. “So, you knew that guy Violet?”

Sumire looked up. “Well, not personally, no. But Kimi would always talk about him. She really liked him.” Sumire grew a blush. “It kind of made me jealous.”

“I see” Ren started blushing as well. “Well, it’s nice that we could reunite them.”

“Yeah” Sumire smiled. They continued driving through Mementos.

They quickly found another portal and jumped through it. “That’s that old guy, Heiji Ono’s shadow” Morgana noted.

“Hmm” Ren thought.

“What’s up?” Ryuji asked.

“My source told me there might be a little more to this one than meets the eye” Ren said.

“What do you mean? Ann asked.

Ren thought some more. “I’m not 100% sure, but I think there might be a deeper reason as to why he’s doing this.”

“Are you saying we should reason with him?” Yusuke asked.

“Well, I think it’s worth a shot at least,” Ren said.

They walked up to him. “Are you those rumored Phantom Thieves?” Heiji asked.

“Um, yeah?” Ryuji answered.

“HA! This is great” Heiji said.

“Why is this great?” Jose asked

“Because, if I mess with you and get away with it, they’ll HAVE to pay attention to me,” Heiji said.

“Um, we’re not going to just let you mess with us,” Morgana responded.

“Oh, but I am just a poor, defenseless old man” Heiji insisted.

“Did you really expect that to work?” Yusuke asked.

“Yeah, you told us your intentions outright” Ann added.

“DId I? Oh dear” Heiji said.

“Who is this ‘they’ person, and why do you want their attention?” Ren asked.

“It doesn’t matter,” Heiji said. “I keep stirring up trouble, and they keep talking to me.”

“Um, could you try talking to them without causing trouble for others?” Sumire asked.

“BAH! They never listen” Heiji said. “And from the sounds of it, neither are you.”

“We’re just trying to help,” Jose said.

“Yeah, well help THIS!” Heiji morphed into a Koropokkuru. “MAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

“Well, it was worth a shot,” Ren said. “Let’s get him!” The thieves fought against Heiji’s shadow. They noticed that whenever Yusuke or Morgana used their powers on him, he’d complain about his bones. So they teamed up to finish him off.

After beating Heiji, he calmed down. “I don’t want to stop!” he yelled in desperation.

“Why?!” Ryuji yelled back.

“Because… They’ll abandon me…” Heiji answered.

“Again, who is this ‘they’?” Ren asked.

“...My grandchildren,” Heiji answered.

“AH!” Sumire yelped.

“That would explain a lot,” Yusuke said.

“They don’t want to spend time with me,” Heiji explained. “But if I make trouble, then they have no choice but to come over. Even if they’re just disappointed in me, they’re still talking to me.”

“Um, have you tried talking to them about this?” Ann answered.

“I told you, they won’t listen,” Heiji explained.

“Well, maybe you don’t need to tell them,” Ren said. “Maybe It's worth it just to talk to somebody about this. Who knows, maybe they could help get your grandkids to listen.”

“Maybe…” Heiji said. “But I’ve made so many people mad. I don’t think any of them will listen.”

“Well, why not apologize?” Ryuji explained. “I’ve learned that a good apology can go a long way.” He looked at Ann and winked. Ann blushed in surprise.

“Heh. You might be right” Heiji said. “You know, you’re all such good kids. Thanks for helping this old man.” He faded out and Ren took the treasure.

“Alright, one more target to go” Ren said.

“Ugh, don’t remind me,” Morgana said.

“Hey the sooner we get this done, the sooner she’ll stop trying to kidnap you” Ren retorted.

“...I guess that’s true,” Morgana said.

They continued onward. On the next floor, they found a little shed. “What’s this?” Ryuji said. They walked in. “Huh. It looks like a place to relax.”

“Well, why don’t we?” Ren asked.

“Yeah, this feels just like a safe room in a palace” Ann assessed.

“Exactly!” Morgana said.

“Well, I could certainly use a break,” Sumire said.

“As could I,” Yusuke added.

“Yeah, I could also use a break,” Jose said.

“Alright then, let’s take five” Ren said. She passed around different healing items to help everyone relax more. After some time had passed, Ren asked “Is everyone ready?” They all nodded. “OK. Then let’s go.” They all got up and continued down Mementos. After a bit of travel, they found the last portal for today and jumped through it.

Morgana gulped. “Well… That’s her shadow… Ryoko Aino…”

“You gonna be alright?” Ryuji asked.

“I dunno…” Morgana said.

“Don’t worry Mona, we’re here for you!” Ann cheered.

“...Yeah!” Morgana answered. “Thanks Panther!”

“Huh, so Mona responds well to Panther. Fascinating” Jose said.

“Indeed” Yusuke added on.

“Well… uh…” Morgana said, embarrassed.

“Hm hm” Sumire giggled. “I think it’s cute.”

“Oh… um… hm…” Morgnana pondered.

“Anyways, we have a job to complete” Ren reminded them.

“Right,” Morgana said, getting focused. “According to the guy who saved me, I’m not the first cat she’s stolen.”

“We need to put a stop to this!” Ann said, raising her voice.

They walked forward to meet her. “Hey!” Morgana yelled, getting her attention.”

Ryoko looked at him. “Snowball? Snowball! You came back! I thought that mean old man took you from me, but you’re here now!”

“OOOOOOOOOOK. That’s weird” Ryuji remarked.

Ren stepped forward. “Are you the one who’s been stealing cats?” she demanded.

“Stealing? No. I’m protecting them” Ryoko answered.

“How does stealing them protect them?” Jose asked.

“There are so many dangers out there for Snowballs out there,” Ryoko explained. “I keep them safe.”

“Well, whatever you think you’re doing, you need to stop!” Ann shouted.

“What?! You… You want all those Snowballs to be in danger?!” Ryoko asked. “NO! I CAN’T LET THAT HAPPEN!” She morphed into a Nekomata. “I’LL PROTECT THE SNOWBALLS WITH MY LIFE!”

Ren stood her guard. “Attack!” She wouldn’t attack Morgana, which was fairly helpful for their effort to take her down. However, she was fairly strong, and the others who took the brunt of her attack felt it. Still, they came out victorious in the end.

After she had been defeated, Ryoko panicked. “NO! I won’t let you!”

“Um, what’s goin’ on?” Ryuji asked.

“I’d like to know for myself,” Yusuke added.

“Hmm. Maybe if we just talk to her…” Ren said. “Hey!” She got Ryoko’s attention. “We want to protect ‘Snowball’ here too. So, could you tell us how you do it?”

“What? No” Ryoko argured. “I’m the only one who can!”

“And why is that?” Ren continued.

“Because!” Ryoko screamed. “Because… it happened to me before… But I won’t let it happen again!”

“Wait before?” Ann said.

“I won’t let Snowball get hit by that truck again!” Ryoko shouted.

“Oh. I see” Ren said.

“Therefore, I will protect all Snowballs!” Ryoko continued.

Sumire stepped up. “You… You really loved Snowball, didn’t you?”

“Of course!” Ryoko said.

Sumir began tearing up. “Well, this kitty here belongs to my friend here. She’d be really sad if she lost him like you lost Snowball.” Ryoko was stricken. “I know how hard it is to lose someone. But the answer isn’t to pass your pain to others, or wallow in it endlessly. You have to move on. I know it’s tough, but Snowball would want that, right?”

Ryoko was crying. “I… I… I… SNOWBALL! I’m so sorry Snowball! I’ll free all of those other kitties and make it up to you! I’m sorry!”

Sumire giggled. “I think he’ll forgive you.”

“Yeah!” Ryoko said. “Thank you.” Ryoko faded and Ren took her treasure. With that, they left that area and continued down Mementos.

Soon after, they arrived at another door. “Huh. We reached another door” Ryuji said.

Ren tried to open it, but to no avail. “Just as I thought.”

“We’ll need to steal Madarame’s treasure to open this door,” Ann said.

“I see,” Yusuke said. “If we are to continue, then I guess we should do it posthaste!”

“I’m not sure rushing this is a good idea,” Jose said. “I mean, after everything we’ve been through today, I’m a little tired.”

“Yeah, and besides, who knows if there’ll be a door later on we’ll need to steal someone else’s treasure to open” Ryuji added.

“Huh. I see” Yusuke said.

“I think pacing ourselves is a good idea,” Sumire pointed out. “If you overwork yourself in ballet, you’ll get nowhere. I’m assuming the same thing applied to Phantom Thieving.”

“Well said” Ren said. “Besides, we’ve change three hearts as well. I say all around today has gone well. Let’s head up.” They went back upstairs and went up through Mementos.

On their way back, Yusuke asked “By the way Violet. Is there a chance that I could sketch you fighting sometime?”

“Wha-What?!” Sumire said, embarrassed.

“Well, it’s just, your fighting style is so expressive” Yusuke said. “I’d like to capture that on canvas.”

“Say, how did we all get so good at fighting?” Ann said.

“Well, about that,” Morgana said. “It’s not like you’re bad at fighting, but the metaverse amplifies any skill you have, or allows you to give yourself one if you aren’t adept to fighting.”

“I see,” Yusuke said. “I guess that’s why I seem to fight with grace and precision.”

“So, why do you fight stylistically Violet?” Ren asked.

“Oh, well, um,” Sumire began. “I guess I’ve just been incorporating my ballet routine into my fighting moves.”

“I see. How marvelous” Yusuke said. “Maybe I can come and watch you perform.”

“Yeah… Provided someone else doesn’t catch your eye…” Sumire lamented.

“I beg your pardon?” Yusuke said.

“Yeah, Violet’s kind of going through some things right now,” Ren said.

“I guess I should explain,” Sumire said. She described what had happened with her sister and her self-esteem.

“Ah! My apologies” Yusuke said. “Forgive me.”

“It’s fine. You didn’t know” Sumire said.

“Still, I commend your efforts,” Yusuke said. “You seem like one of the hardest working people I know, and your fighting shows your spirit. If you ever get to peak performance again, please contact me so I can sketch you.”

“Oh. Well. That sounds nice” Sumire said. They reached the exit, and left Mementos for the day.

Once they got home, Ren was changing into her pajamas, while Morgana was once again on the windowsill. “Ah, it’s nice to be back up here” Morgana said. “The stars, the breeze, the city. Man, it’s so good to feel.”

Ren finished changing.. She walked up to Morgana. “You’ve only been in hiding since this morning.”

Morgana turned to her. “I know,” he said. “But it got me thinking. People find themselves in situations like mine everyday. And it’s up to us to save them.”

“Ah, so that’s what this is about” Ren said.

Morgana nodded. “I know people suffer, but feeling it is a whole other thing. I feel like I have a better understanding of why you fight so hard.”

Ren was taken aback. “What do you mean?”

“Well, I’m just sayin’...” Morgana said. “Between getting arrested and all that stuff with Kamoshida, I can understand wanting to protect people from situations like that.”

“Huh. I see” Ren said. She picked up Morgana. “You’re one insightful kitty, you know that?”

Morgana grinned. “Yeah, but I’m YOUR insightful kitty.”

“Awww” Ren said. She rubbed her cheek on Morgana’s. Morgana purred. “Well, goodnight.”

“Goodnight” Morgana said, leaping down. He curled up while Ren went under the covers. Both were asleep within five minutes.

#persona 5 #persona fanfiction #persona 5 royal #p5r #p5 femc #p5r rework #p5 rework #p5 #FeMC #female ren #ren amamiya #morgana #mishima #Sumire #Ryuji Sakamoto #ann takamaki #jose #yusuke kitagawa

[drdavidhuxley]

2020 in Film So Far - Here are the new-to-me films I’ve watched so far this year. You would think with the free time I’ve had there would be more movies, but uh, lack of structure screws up my attention span, lol. I included posters of some of my favorites, as well as highlighted them below.

The Souvenir (dir. Joanna Hogg, 2019)

Long Shot (dir. Jonathan Levine, 2019)

Where’d You Go, Bernadette (dir. Richard Linklater, 2019)

Parasite (dir. Bong Joon-ho, 2019)

Rocketman (dir. Dexter Fletcher, 2019)

Weathering with You (dir. Makato Shinkai, 2019)

Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (dir. Hitesh Kewalya, 2020)

Living Out Loud (dir. Richard LaGravenese, 1998)

Emma. (dir. Autumn de Wilde, 2020)

Onward (dir. Dan Scanlon, 2020)

Moonlight Mile (dir. Brad Siberling, 2002)

Circle of Friends (dir. Pat O’Connor, 1995)

Big Trouble in Little China (dir. John Carpenter, 1986)

And Then We Danced (dir. Levan Akin)

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (dir. Céline Sciamma, 2019)

Fast Color (dir. Julia Hart, 2018)

Only You (dir. Norman Jewison, 1994)

Toy Story 4 (dir. Josh Cooley, 2019)

Marriage Story (dir. Noah Baumbach, 2019)

The Talk of the Town (dir. George Stevens, 1942)

I Lost My Body (dir. Jérémy Clapin, 2019)

Edge of the City (dir. Martin Ritt, 1947)

Mikey and Nicky (dir. Elaine May, 1976)

My Night at Maud’s (dir. Éric Rohmer, 1969)

Querelle (dir. Rainer Werner Fassbinder, 1982)

Young Sherlock Holmes (dir. Barry Levinson, 1985)

A Warm December (dir. Sidney Poitier, 1973)

A Raisin in the Sun (dir. Daniel Petrie, 1961)

The Half of It (dir. Alice Wu, 2020)

Peppermint Soda (dir. Diane Kurys, 1977)

Soul Food (dir. George Tillman, Jr.)

The More the Merrier (dir. George Stevens, 1943)

The Dark Crystal (dir. Jim Henson and Frank Oz, 1982)

Bad Education (dir. Cory Finley, 2019)

All That Jazz (dir. Bob Fosse, 1979)

Pather Panchali (dir. Satyajit Ray, 1955)

Aparajito (dir. Satyajit Ray, 1956)

Apur Sansar (dir. Satyajit Ray, 1959)

Jellyfish Eyes (dir. Takashi Murakami, 2013)

Blow the Man Down (dir. Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy, 2019)

Atlantics (dir. Mati Diop, 2019)

Within Our Gates (dir. Oscar Micheaux, 1920)

I Am Not Your Negro (dir. Raoul Peck, 2016)

Killer of Sheep (dir. Charles Burnett, 1978)

Sorry Angel (dir. Christophe Honoré, 2018)

Burnt Money (dir. Marcelo Piñeyro, 2000)

End of the Century (dir. Lucio Castro, 2019)

Clemency (dir. Chinonye Chukwu, 2019)

In the Family (dir. Patrick Wang, 2011)

Silkwood (dir. Mike Nichols, 1983)

#2020 in film #film

[lexiy-dreyar]

new enemies, old faces

chapter 4

((Let me point out that some of these moments might need a visual reference so if you could tell me which line I will add some illustration

the boy looked at the blonde confused "what it's not like you haven't ever heard me say sorry before" he hissed "yeah but when did you start saying it takes me? Normally your all"

-put a sock in it blonde- -quit your whining and move- -aww you gonna cry about?- -stop bitching and let's go-

Void looked at her in disbelief "do you really think that low of me that you don't think it's me when I apologize to you for once!? Fucking bitch…" he grumbled "what you say?!" Lex yelled "you heard me!!" Void shouted back. And thus they began to fight.

_-------------_

Star deadpand for a second "I get the feeling Lex and void are fighting…."she sighs like the disappointed parent she is "well you should have expected that it's those two childish fucks"frosghen rolled her eyes "your just as worse with Lila" Obara bluntly added

 "THAT FUCKING PATHER HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS" frosghen shouted at Obara "see what I mean?..."Obara looked to the side…"I'm worried about gem.."he mumbled "huh why?" Nikita's brother added "she's the only one of us besides Lex and Chara who can revive someone" he muttered "why not have lex do it?" The frog whined "cuz it's more likely to fail and kill lex as well you know how her magic works" the younger blonde stated out "still chara's magic is stronger ‘then gem's"  the brother mumbled sitting a bit closer to star "yeah but she's the one that killed him!" Cherry said "Hmm b-but maybe she could.." the brother looked down "that doesn't matter as long as gem's trying to revive him it'd be good enough for now" star sighed 

_unfortaly over with gem_

The purplett looked at the deceased boy in front of her she's tried all her life spells trying to bring him back but failed. On the floor holding her hands panting trying to get them to de crystalized

 "d-dammit.. what the hell is blocking my magic" she groaned trying to get up "...nkita I know you can hear me..you may not have a heartbeat but I know you can hear me….why did you run….all because Lizzy found out about what you did?... because they were all judging you casting you out for it?? You know if you just stayed by us we could have explained things to them..plus then you were blindly in love with Chara..the funny thing is when ever you were on missions Chara would be worried.. always a bit slow on her work. This sad look on her face, not the 'talk back to me and your as good as dead' look, haha it was so cute to see her having other emotions besides anger and annoyance...maybe you would have gotten that hug one day…" the below stopped her rambling "it hurts you know…. I've known you the longest out of every one here besides frosghen...you could have talked to me...I know deep down you wanted Chara to push you off hell that is what you wanted isn't it! AFTER SHE SAVED YOUR LIFE OVER AND OVER AGAIN" the girl snaps. 

"did you not care about what she did for you then?...back at that lab…..the one you father controlled…"the one you wanted to be free from to make new friends….find a better life for your brother and cousin... unfortunately you failed...now your cousin's resting in the sky with all the other angles" she softly reached her hand up "I wonder what it's like there...no worries...no rules...no pain….no guilt. Heh" she smiled darkly "so many so greedy to get into heaven... willing to try so many things to get there~ hahahahahahahahAHAHAHAHAHA THEY'LL ALL DIE BY MY HANDS SO FOOLISH" the girl proceeded to have a laughing fit "ahhh mortals are so fun to play around with" she sighed rolling onto her back "hmmm so..sleepy"she slowly closed her eyes falling asleep.

(In case you didn't notice gem got possessed by her greed)

_-------------------------_

Panting covered in bruises sweating staring intensely at each other. The blonde stands up straight wiping away the blood spilling a bit out of her mouth "tch Damm you void" she growls "right back at yeah..but we gotta get to where I said we needed to be"the black head groaned slowly getting up. The blonde pulled her hair back into a ponytail "about that what's going on why did you drag me out so quickl-" "remember those ruins? Of where we found her?" Void asks

 "her…? Who?" She asks "HOW DO YOU NOT REMEMBER!?!!" Void shouted at her. Wondering about short term memory "don't you remember the last time you almost die?" He asked her. She placed her thumb on her chin 

"uuuuummmmmmmmmmmm……yes????????" She said very confused trying to convince the black hole "JFC lex. Ok rembere that jerk girl who tried taking gem as her own" void pointed out "Ohhhhhh that bitch"lex scoffed "why didn't you just say s-" "OH FUCK OFF" void shouted at her grabbing her shirt "this isn't the time to play around! Someone we know died and we did nothing!!" He glared at her, "what the hell could we have done!!? We were still looking for him!" Lex argued "what about your God Damm nose you didn't use it till later you could have done it sooner!!" "We-" "hmhmmmmm~ I see you two haven't changed a bit" a voice said, "who the hell are you" he growled letting go of the blonde "show yourself!!" She added clenching her fist.

"Aww don't tell me you forgot about little old me lovely lex~" the voice said getting closer. "What..no way…" lex lowered her guard for a bit "shit it's him let's go" void whispered "aww so soon it's been forever since I've seen you two~" the voice said slowly surrounding the two in a dark mist. Void quickly stood in front of the blonde 

”STAY BACK” he shouted 'wait what the hell am I doing?' he thought as he blushed "v-void?" Lex muttered blushing a bit "just stay close to me" he whispered to her "the last time I did that... nevermind"she looked down "guess we'll have to fight are way out" they said at the same time.

{{Ehh I guess I'll leave it there this chapter is quite confusing XD

#fairy tail oc #lexiy drayer #star drayer #void-senpai #obara #cherry #no fandom oc's #nkita #gem #frosghen #nkita's still dead #void x lex

[alydiarackham]

(Cover by me)

Scales: A Fresh Telling of Beauty and the Beast by Alydia Rackham

Chapter One

“Once Upon A Time”

“Snakes!”

The shriek ripped down a wide stone corridor near the kitchens of Tirincashel, followed by the battering of fleeing footsteps. Eleanora threw herself back against the wall as Hattie, a plump kitchen maid, barreled past her, skirts hiked up in her thick hands.

“Run, Princess Ele!” Hattie puffed, her face red, her eyes wide, her bonnet askew. “There are snakes in the larder!”

“What?” Eleanora called after her. “What kind of snakes?”

“Blue asps!” Hattie shouted back, her voice pitching to a screech. “Dozens and dozens of them!” Her words dissolved into a trailing howl as she rounded the corner to sound the castle-wide alarm. Eleanora frowned, watching her, then gathered up her long green skirt and trotted down the hall in the exact direction Hattie had come from.

A winsome, slender fourteen, Princess Ele made little sound as she darted across the worn gray stones, through the alternate light and shadow

created by the line of tall windows to her left. The scent of lavender washed past her face. Her long black hair flagged out behind her as she hurried faster, listening. She swung around the corner to her right and hopped down a short staircase, then darted onward, past the rustling torches.

Up ahead, light shone from a doorway—and clanging, crashing and shouting rang out to meet her.

“Get back, get back, Ailse! You’re in the way!” a rough voice ordered—Ele recognized it as Pather’s, one of her father’s huntsmen.

“Sorry!” Ailse stammered, and stumbled backward into the hallway, almost tripping on her long skirt. The young, thin woman wore the plain white-and-tan cotton clothes and cap of a kitchen maid, and her eyes had widened with panic.

Ele’s feet pounded now, and Ailse jerked around and caught sight of her.

“Princess, you mustn’t come any closer!” she cried, throwing out her hands to stop her.

“I want to see!” Ele insisted, grabbing the doorframe of the larder and swinging around it—

Pather, a short, thick, dark-bearded man in softened leather, stood with his back to her, facing the hung baskets of onions, apples and herbs, his attention bent toward the feet of the wine casks that neatly lined the dirt floor. In his left hand he held a short club, and in the other, a gleaming hatchet.

Hssssssss…!

Ele’s blood ran cold as the sound shivered through the air. And at last, her attention caught on the writhing tangle near Pather’s feet.

Four asps, flowing like ink, wound and wended around each other, their scales twinkling in the lamplight, seeming to change hue even as they moved—from deepest midnight, to the ripple of the ocean at noon, to a shimmering silver.

But their eyes glowed red, like low embers, and their flickering tongues looked like needles of obsidian.

“You women need to get back,” Pather warned, adjusting his grip on his hatchet. “I don’t want—”

One of the snakes reared up.

It suddenly lifted half its body to waist height, and its neck flared with

silver spines. Its eyes blazed like fire, and its jaw spat open, revealing long, black fangs.

Pather swung his hatchet.

He struck the snake down and his blade connected with the ground—the snake’s head lopped off.

Ele slapped her hands over her mouth as her heart gave a painful pang—

“Don’t kill them!”

The other snakes exploded with snapping, hissing with the fury of bees. Pather ignored her—

And cut them all to pieces.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Their blood splattered across the casks.

The room fell silent. Pather, panting, righted himself, and hefted his weapon. He turned around, and glanced at Ele, then at Ailse. Sweat ran down his pale face.

“Are the two of you all right?”

Ele didn’t answer. She stared at the shreds of dead animal lying strewn behind him.

“I’m…I’m all right,” Ailse replied faintly. “Thank you, Pather…”

Pather’s heavy brow frowned, and his attention sharpened.

“Ailse, you look white.”

Ele turned to look at her…

Just as the young woman’s skin turned ash-gray, and she collapsed.

“No, no, no!” Pather cried, throwing down his club and hatchet and leaping forward. He clumsily caught her, and the two of them fell to the ground. Ele leaped back and hit the doorframe.

“She’s been stung!” Pather cursed as he hastily laid Ailse down and frantically began feeling all over her arms. Finding nothing, he then tossed the hem of her skirt aside…

To reveal a silver spine stuck through the skin of her ankle. A spine that oozed dark purple liquid.

Pather went still, staring at it.

Then, slowly, he covered his face with his hand.

  A day later, Ailse died. She never regained consciousness after she collapsed in the hall. And as her family, friends, and the royal household watched, her skin turned from ash to gray, to the tone of stone, and at last her heart stopped. She was given a kindly burial by the king, for she had been a cheerful and helpful maid for five years.

Ele’s heart ached. And in the span of that day, she had ceased to feel any sympathy at all for those wicked blue asps, or any other creatures of like kind.

 Chapter Two

“There Lived A Minstrel”

Seven Years Later

 “No, you can’t wear that dress,” Oralia snapped, tossing her long, golden curls as she snatched the scarlet-and-silver gown out of Ele’s hands. She lifted her chin and her sky-blue eyes flashed before she spun around and marched back to her four-poster bed, which was covered in fluffy white pillows and comforters. “You have black eyes and black hair and not a pinch of color in your face,” Oralia went on in her swift, bird-like tone. “You would look like death. Even worse than you look right now, in that sack.”

Ele glanced down at her long-sleeved, loose-fitted beige dress and cream apron.

“Do you expect me to garden in a ball gown?” she asked as she folded her arms, sure to use her low, smooth voice to make her sound even older than her sister—though she only exceeded her by one year.

“You shouldn’t be gardening at all,” Oralia declared. “You’ll be dirty and smelly and brown and your hands will get rough—no one will want to marry you.”

“You really oughtn’t order me around,” Ele answered, a hint of warning in her tone. “It’s my dress and my birthday—I should to be able to wear what I want.”  

“No,” Oralia shot back, ignoring the warning. “I’ve told you—I am planning everything. Including what you’re wearing.”

Ele considered an answer, then bit her tongue and sank down in a short chair near Oralia’s wardrobe, watching the shorter, blonde girl rush and fuss through her lavishly-decorated chambers, tossing dresses, undergarments and jewelry onto her bed.

Oralia was beautiful. She had a charming, glowing face, a lovely figure, and cascading golden hair that was the envy of every woman in the realm. And her eyes constantly sparkled, she had long, black lashes, dark eyebrows, and an elegant, effortless way of moving that almost looked like dancing. She also used a bright, endearing tone of speech with the servants, subjects, and their parents—a tone that Ele never heard when the two of them were alone together.

“I think the tapestries are a bit much,” Ele remarked, resting her elbow on the armrest and her chin on her hand. “I can’t see the walls.”

“The tapestries are gorgeous,” Oralia answered.

“Yes, but you have all of them, now,” Ele said. “Did you leave any in Mother’s room?”

“Mother doesn’t need them,” Oralia retorted. “She said so herself.”

“You have six lamps in here, too,” Ele observed. “And the gold mantel lions from Papa’s old chambers…”

“Listen,” Oralia huffed, straightening and facing her. “I like pretty things. I like pretty things all around me. And I especially like pretty things that other people aren’t properly appreciating!”

Ele watched her for a moment, a low pain traveling down through her chest.

“Is that what you thought of Roderick?” she asked quietly. “That I wasn’t properly appreciating him?”

“Tosh,” Oralia waved her off and straightened a bright pink frock. “He and I are not even close to betrothed. You can certainly have him back if you like.”

“Perhaps I would,” Ele murmured, not taking her eyes from her sister. “If he would even look at me.”

“Ha! Well, perhaps he will tonight,” Oralia said lightly. “I’m going to be paying my attentions to the new bard we hired—you remember, the one I heard at the fair and made Papa call to court?”

Ele’s brow furrowed.

“No…”

“Amberian, Master of Lute and Song!” Oralia sang the name, scooped up a dress and pressed it to her heart. “Though—everyone calls him Amber. Not sure why. They say he looks like it, but I have no idea what that means.” She sighed and gave Ele a dreamy look. “Wait until you hear him sing, Ele. You’ve never heard anything like it in your life. And people say he can compose songs right upon the instant, if you give him a line and a subject.” She twirled around, and the frilly skirt flared out around her. “I fell quite in love with him at the fair. Tonight, I’m going to have him write a song about me.”

“Oh, good,” Ele sat back in her chair. “Just what I wanted for my birthday.”

Oralia giggled and stopped spinning.

“Your birthday present is your new dress!” she said.

“My new dress?” Ele asked, surprised. “It’s finished?”

Oralia gave her a sly look.

“It’s just been delivered to your room.”

Ele sat up straight, then looked at Oralia sideways. But Oralia just grinned and twirled again. Ele hesitated, then got to her feet and hurried out of the room, hearing her sister laugh behind her.

  “Oralia hates me.”

“What?! What makes you think that?”

“Look at what she’s given me to wear to the feast.” Ele held up the dress she had found waiting for her on her own bed: a bright orange gown with large ruffles all down the front of the skirt. It had not been wrapped, hung or folded.

“It…doesn’t have sleeves,” Ele’s mother—a tall, chestnut-haired, beautiful

woman with striking green eyes—raised an eyebrow and put her hands on her hips. “She said she was finished making it...”

“She did not make it,” Ele countered, tossing the dress down on her emerald bedclothes. “She got it from the trolls.”

“I might believe that,” her mother replied, sighing and fingering the skirt of the orange dress. “If trolls wore clothes.”

Ele sighed as well and ran her hand absently down through her own long hair, studying her mother’s winsome, brown-clad figure. Ele frowned.

“How do you braid your hair like that?”

“Four strands,” her mother answered absently, pushing her own long, thick plait out of the way—the end of it brushed the rug.

“Can you do that with mine? For this evening?”

“Mhm,” her mother nodded. Then, she glanced up at her daughter. “What are you going to wear?”

“I will not wear this,” Ele pointed at the hideous orange dress. Mother paused, and watched her, a weight seeming to settle around her.  

“Today is your birthday, Eleanora. Today, you’re of age, and have as much authority as I do.”

Ele’s head came up, her attention caught by her mother’s tone. She watched Mother’s eyes as she solemnly gazed back at her.

“Your commands to those beneath you cannot be overruled,” Mother went on. “And your father and I will uphold all of your decisions. The kingdom now expects you to behave with the mind of a queen.” Mother reached out and took Ele by the shoulders, speaking low and warm. “You know the law. Papa and I will now step back from you, so that you may be ruled by your own heart and mind. And we are eager to see what you will do.”

“So…what does that mean?” Ele asked. “Regarding the dress?”

Mother winked at her.

“You may wear whatever you like.”

Ele smiled back, relieved deep down within her as she watched Mother leave. She listened to her footsteps fade away down the corridor. Then, she sighed, sank down and laid on her back on her wide, canopied bed. Her headboard rested against the stone wall, and just to the left of it stood a wide window, through which the afternoon sun poured. The light washed over Ele as she lay there, gazing at her empty ceiling, breathing in the scent of the cinnamon and cloves that she always enjoyed keeping in a small bowl on her vanity. She diddled her fingers, her gut slowly tightening, until an aching knot formed.

Roderick would be at the feast tonight. As Father’s bravest and finest knight, it was out of the question to exclude him from royal festivities. And he would be following Oralia around all evening, even if she was chasing the minstrel…

“Hmhmm…Hmmm…Hmhm”

Ele’s brow furrowed, her attention sharpening.

A low, melodic tone drifted through the slight crack in her window.

A voice.

Slowly, she sat up.

She climbed off the bed and circled it, then approached her window. Carefully, she pressed her fingertips against the lowest pane, and the window swung open. She rested her arms on the cool stone sill, and glanced down into the bright courtyard just one story below.

Other than the guards at the gate, the broad courtyard was deserted—except for a single person. He sat on the steps of the well, in the shade of its little canopy, with a butter-colored lute resting across his lap. He carelessly plucked the strings—they jingled pleasantly within the stone enclosure. Ele’s gaze fixed on him, and she couldn’t look away.

He wore fine, tanned leather, much of which had been dyed playful colors. He also had on walking shoes, but no hat. She noticed this peripherally, though, to the rest of his soft and unusual aspect.

His skin was a warm, southern tone—black eyebrows and lashes. He had a handsome face, tilted to the side as he attended to his lute. His short, curly hair bore a mix of colors: some strands of deep russet, others charcoal, others like the embers of a low fire, others like burnished gold. He struck a chord, then took a deep breath…

And began to sing, all for himself.

And Ele’s heart rose to the clouds.

 “If a gold coin lies down

In the shaft of a well

And deep water hides it

Its worth can you tell?

If the shadows conceal it and moss makes its bed

Is this gold valued less

Than upon a king’s head?”

 Even dressed in childish lyrics and a lilting tune, she had never heard a voice like it. Like the sunshine on a summer’s day after a wash of delightful rain. Like a river laughing downhill through shimmering stones. Like a lit hearth in the evening after a long day of hiking through the snow. Like cider and honey, like candles at twilight, like wind off the ocean, like bells resounding through a valley…

Like nothing in the world. The more she searched her heart for comparisons, the fewer she found that even came close. She held her breath as she listened, chastising even her heartbeat for distracting from the song.

His fingers moved deftly across the strings, and he lifted that voice once more, with an ease that made Ele beam with delight.

 “So mark well my words now

Remember this tune

Lest the world tries a falsehood

To lead you untrue

No matter the depths of the black water cold

The coin is still worth all its true weight in gold.”

 His fingers lifted off the strings. The last notes echoed and settled into the courtyard, as if coming home to roost within the walls. The young man sighed, and moved to stand up.

“Will you be playing that tonight?” Ele’s voice startled the echoes—but she smiled even more broadly as the surprised young man hopped to his feet, and his eyes found hers. Eyes of the brightest brown—almost coppery.

She knew who he was. This had to be Amberian of the Lute. But Ele suddenly realized why the name “Amber” was the only one that suited him.

“Hullo!” he answered her, a reflexive smile lighting his features. Then he laughed. “I didn’t know anyone was up there.”

“I was hiding,” Ele confessed. “I didn’t want to interrupt you.”

“Oh, I was just practicing.” He swung his lute strap over his shoulder.

“It was beautiful,” Ele told him, a sudden lump in her throat. His smile brightened, and he briefly ducked his head.

“Thank you.”

Ele blinked. Modesty? With that voice?

“Has…Has someone come to invite you in?” she asked.

He looked up at her again, and shook his head.

“Not yet. I think they’ve forgotten me.”

“No, no, no,” Ele chuckled. “I have it on good authority that Princess Oralia is dying to see you.” She straightened and held up a finger. “Stay put—I’ll go see to it that someone opens the doors for you.”

“What should I do then?”

Ele stopped.

“Hm?”

His coppery eyes searched hers—earnest and open.

“Once I come in,” he clarified. “I’ve never sung for a king before. And…I’ve always found it’s a good idea to ask other servants what to expect before I enter a new house.”

Ele’s face flushed, and she opened her mouth—

Then stopped herself. Smiled slowly.

“That’s probably wise,” she answered. She lifted her chin. “Well…If I were you, I’d get settled into my quarters first, and be careful to memorize the way, since all the passages twist in that corner of the castle. And, at dinner tonight, I would stay in sight of the king and queen—I know they’ll want to hear you. After that, when the dancing begins, get clear of the knights. They don’t have any patience for minstrels, especially if they’ve been enjoying the mead.”

Amber’s brow furrowed—worry crossed his gaze.

“Or,” Ele suddenly added. “If….you need to escape entirely, there is a library just off the dining hall. I’ve hidden there myself.” She gazed at him again, unable to keep the warmth from her tone. “But I’m sure it won’t come to that. You’ll do very well.”

Amber drew himself up, and the tension eased from his shoulders.

“Best of luck,” Ele said, straightening to withdraw into her room—though her heart gave an odd pang. “I need to be going.”

“Will you be there this evening?” Amber called. Ele stopped.

“Yes,” she said. “I will.”

“I’ll see you soon, then!” he waved at her. Her grin widened, she waved back, pulled in and shut the window. After standing for just a moment, staring across her room, she drew her head up in decision, and made for the door.

  Chapter Three

“Who Danced With A Princess”

 Ele walked quietly down the cool, torch-lit corridors, her floor-length, homespun green gown rustling with her steps. It had long, fitted sleeves, simple gold embroidery around the scooped collar, a slender waist and a flared skirt. It was comfortable, and nothing more formal than a day dress. She also wore no jewelry at all, and her mother had braided her hair without ornament.

Ele’s cold fingers closed as she heard the sounds of the party—voices, clanging dishes, shuffling feet—roll toward her down the stone hall. Rich scents drifted around her, too: breads, pheasant, boar, venison, ciders, wines, and roasted nuts. Her stomach clenched even harder. She slowed and bit her cheek. Halted. Slid her right foot backward.

“Eleanora!”

She jerked, her hand flying to her heart. It hammered against her ribs as a tall figure blundered out of the shadows to her right and came to a panting halt. She could halfway see him in the torchlight—slender and handsome, with dark hair and vibrant blue eyes. Eyes she had often compared to the spring sky. He wore the leather and dress jerkin of the knighthood of the royal house. And the sight of him sent pain shooting from her chest out to her fingers and all the way down her back.

“Roderick,” she gasped, lowering her hand and giving him a look. “Are you trying to frighten me?”

“No,” he quickly gave a half smile. “No, I was looking for you.”

She watched him.

“Why?”

“Well, your father is looking for you, for one,” he said, finally catching his breath. “And I also hoped I’d have the honor of sitting next to you this evening, and dancing with you at least twice.”

Ele stared at him, but he only gazed back at her, and smiled.

“The seating is arranged,” Ele carefully reminded him. “You’ve been assigned to Oralia’s right hand—she did that herself—”

“Never mind her,” he waved it off. “You and I are still good friends, are we not? And I’ve neglected you lately. Besides, Oralia is otherwise occupied. With party business.”

Ele frowned—

 “A prince of realms did hold a ball,

Forced to marry, against his will

But to the ball, a lady came

All else forgot but this lady fair

 And he must dance with her, oh—

And he must dance with her

Throw over all the kingdom’s worth,

But he must dance with her.”

 A voice—as pure as refined gold and as rich as aged wine resounded through the feasting hall ahead of her, silencing the chatter and hushing all the guests to listening. She glanced at Roderick. His smile faltered. Ele drew in a deep breath. It hurt badly.

“You don’t want to spend time with me,” she realized. “And you wouldn’t. Except that Oralia is sitting with the minstrel. Isn’t she?”

Roderick blinked.

“No,” he shook his head. “I mean—She is? I hadn’t noticed. I…How did you…?”

Ele’s gut twisted and her fists clenched.

“You want to make her jealous,” she said. “Pretending to pay court to me so she’ll come to you.”

“No, Ele—” Roderick held up his hand.

“I am a princess of this kingdom,” Ele snapped, her eyes stinging. “You will address me as ‘your royal highness,’ ‘princess’ or ‘my lady.’” Suddenly, her whole body broke out in shivers, and she had to fight to form her next words. “But not now,” she managed. “I do not wish to see you or anyone for the rest of the evening.” And she charged past him, away from the feasting hall and down a dark, narrow corridor where no one but the servants ever walked.

   “She was so fair, she was so sweet

He was stricken with true love

But when he asked, she would not tell

The name her mother gave.

 He fell in love with her, oh—

He fell in love with her

Throw over all the kingdom’s worth

But he fell in love with her.”

 Amber delicately pressed the thin strings of his lute with his fingertips, watching their progress as he plucked with the other hand. The notes reverberated through the wooden chest of the instrument, shimmering through the large, towering banquet hall. He sat on a low, comfortable stool with the wide granite fireplace to his back. The crackling flames behind him warmed his jerkin, almost humming along with the tune. He smiled to himself, took a deep breath, and kept singing.

 “At midnight’s strike, she fled from him

And left behind her shoe,

The prince despairs of finding her

But he vows that’s what he’ll do.”

 As he sang, he lifted his head, and glanced around the room. Torches lit it, as did tall, white-wax candles atop gold and silver sticks. The three long food-and-wine-laden tables had been arranged in a U, with its open end toward him. The king and queen sat directly across from him in tall, wooden chairs. Queen Lilian was beautiful and stately, with dark hair and emerald eyes that sparkled as she watched him, her fingers lightly entwined. King Herrard sat back, a small, pleasant smile on his bearded face. He reminded Amber every inch of a lionesque monarch—with a blond mane of hair, weather-beaten features and warm brown eyes. Both royals wore splendid comfort—scarlets and golds unrivaled anywhere else, with glimmering jewelry on their hands and throats. At the other tables sat courtiers and knights also dressed in glittering garb—many of the women wore elaborate hats and headdresses. They all listened to Amber, eating quietly if their appetites demanded it, as the flamelight played across their finery, the cutlery, and their attentive gazes. Amber’s attention once more caught on the royal table. The chair to the right of the queen stood empty. As did the two chairs to the king’s left. He could only account for one of those vacancies.

For on a fur rug right next to his feet sat princess Oralia, dressed in scarlet embroidered with white, and diamonds dancing at her ears and upon her fair throat. Her gold hair, in endless ringlets, spilled down her shoulders all the way to the floor. She watched him fixedly with radiant blue eyes, her perfect, blushing face tilted toward him. Amber kept singing.

 “And he must find her soon, oh—

Yes, he must find her soon

Throw over all the kingdom’s worth

But he must find her soon.”

 With a gentle flourish, he finished the song and lifted his right hand off the strings, smiling down at the gleaming face of his lute.

“Ah!” the courtiers exclaimed—a half-sigh of pleasure—and burst into applause. Amber raised his head and met several of their happy glances as cheering rang through the rafters. The king and queen rose to their feet, and the king struck his hands together mightily, grinning from ear to ear. Amber got up, and bowed to them at the waist. When he straightened, he found the king still beaming, and shaking his head.

“Though I spent my boyhood and youth in the north with my father, living amongst the fellowship of Caldic Curse-Breakers,” he boomed. “And night after night, around their enchanted fires, I listened to their music—music spun from the weavings of the wind, and the tones of the very morning light itself…” He held out a hand to Amber. “I have never heard such a song as that. How proud I am that I, of all fortunate men, am blessed to have the finest voice in all the land grace my humble halls.”

The court burst into another round of clapping, nodding firmly to Amber and to each other. Amber inclined his head to him, his heart swelling.

“And how proud I am,” the king shouted over the noise. “To have a daughter with such impeccable taste—and cheerful stubbornness—that she insisted I bring him here, to delight us this evening and forevermore!” He gestured broadly to Oralia, fondness glowing in his features. She hopped to her feet, and gave them all cute curtsey, at which the courtiers laughed.

“And now,” the king went on. “As we have all eaten our fill, I pray that the other musicians come forth to play for the dancing!”

A wilder cheer went up as the four-piece ensemble shuffled out with their pipes and drums, and began arranging their chairs and stools. The roar of the hall billowed over Amber, as well as the thousand delicious scents from the feast, and warmth bloomed through his chest. Maybe now he could go to the kitchen and get some food—he hadn’t eaten all day—and come back out to watch some of the dancing—

Fingers grabbed his wrist. He swung around.

Oralia had hold of him with both her hands, and she tilted her head coyly at him.

“Come, Amber!” she cried, pulling close to his face. Lavender perfume washed over him.

“Come dance,” she enticed, smiling beautifully. She slid her hand down and interlaced their fingers. “I’ve been waiting all evening to dance! Please?”

“With me?” he cried.

“Of course! Why not?” she insisted.

“Ha,” Amber laughed. “All right—if you say so.”

“I do,” she answered resolutely. “Come!”

Amber managed to set his lute down on his chair before she pulled him toward the group of courtiers who had lined up in the center of the room. Amber filed in next to the men and faced the iridescent princess, who gave him a saucy look as she took her place. The musicians tuned, paused—then burst into song.

With a grin, Amber sprang into the dance—Oralia followed immediately. They swung and swirled together, weaving expertly between the other colorful dancers as the music soared to the ceiling. They met in the middle, he wrapped his arm around her waist and they spun wildly—both let out ringing laughs. Oralia’s golden hair flung out behind her like a glorious flag, her skirt flaring like flower petals. The dance blurred around them, and they easily kept pace with the quick rhythm, out-dancing everyone else on the floor.

The music built to a frenzied beat—Amber’s heart pounded in his ears—and finally, the players finished with a sweep of gusto. The seated courtiers began to clap first, then the panting dancers. Amber applauded, nodding at the fevered musicians, then sent a happy look to Oralia—

Who promptly stepped to him and pressed her lips to his cheek in a quick kiss. His face went hot.

“I’m off to get a drink,” she told him as she skipped back. “I will find you for the next dance!”

Amber could only get out a laugh before she darted off through the crowd. Shaking his head, Amber made his way to a long side table where sat a large bowl of cold, red punch, along with several empty silver goblets. He picked up a goblet, hefting its weight in his hand, and reached for the ladle—

A hand slapped down on his left shoulder. An arm draped across his back. Amber instantly went still. His head came around to the right—

A knight. Back-haired, lean and wolf-like, with piercing blue eyes. Right next to him. With his arm around him.

And he stared straight back at Amber, his gaze like ice.

Amber’s heart thudded once.

The knight’s mouth twisted into a semblance of a smile, but it didn’t look real.

“What are you doing over here, bard?” the knight asked, his voice deep and calm.

“I’m…getting a drink,” Amber answered, his brow slowly furrowing as he watched those wintry eyes.

“Oh, you are,” the knight’s eyebrows raised. “Why?”

“I’m thirsty,” Amber replied. The knight’s hand tightened on Amber’s shoulder.

“And why is that?” the knight pressed.

“I have been dancing.”

“Ah. I see. That’s interesting,” the knight said casually. “Because I thought I was hallucinating earlier, when I saw the princess dancing with a servant.”

Amber’s jaw clenched. The knight’s crooked smile grew.

“And I was convinced my vision was continuing to blind me when I saw a servant approach a table meant for courtiers and royalty. I’m so glad you’ve confirmed the truth. I thought I was going quite mad.”

Amber said nothing. But his free hand closed into a tight fist. The knight’s grip tensed further.

“I’m not exactly certain what corner of the woods you’re from, lad—but in civilized places, there are such things as codes of conduct, and expectations for folk of various stations. And in this kingdom,” He leaned close, and hissed in Amber’s face. “Servants do not touch princesses. Neither do they pollute the food or drink of their betters. Now, I know you are a newcomer, so I will release you this one time.” The knight withdrew just slightly. “Just remember this, Fiddler: keep your station, and you’ll get to keep your fingers. Understood?”

A needle-like chill traveled down through Amber’s gut. He didn’t pull his eyes from the knight. Neither did he nod.

He stepped back. The knight let him go—and any semblance of smile vanished. Amber turned, strode across the room, picked up his lute from off his chair, and hurried around the standing mantel toward a short corridor, praying there would be a door at the end of it that led to something besides a broom cupboard.

   Ele sat on the rug in the corner of the library to one side of a desk, knees hugged to her chest, staring absently at the flames in the broad fireplace across the room. All around her, the tall shadows of the tome-packed library stretched to a darkened ceiling. The crackle of the embers filled the silence. She counted her breaths, drawing in the scent of burning cedar and book-dust, absently running her thumb back and forth against her opposite forearm. She sighed. Her whole ribcage ached.

The door latch off to her left clacked. She sat up.

A quick, heavy sigh rushed through the quiet—hard footsteps intruded, the door squeaked and then clanked shut. Low panting followed, and then…

The person stepped in so that Ele could glimpse him around the desk. He entered the soft light from the hearth…

Tall, dark and warm—hair of twilight and autumn, clothes of a traveler, a lute in his hand. His brow twisted, and his gaze seemed faraway. He heaved another sigh, and raked his hand through his curls.

“So you did have to escape,” she noted.

He jumped, whirling around, his hand slipping on the lute so it gave a disconcerted “twang.” Ele felt herself smiling—though it hurt—and climbed tiredly to her feet.  

“I’m sorry,” she laughed. “It’s just me.”

His startled eyes found her, and he blew out his breath as his frame relaxed.

“You keep scaring me,” he said, recovering a faint grin. “It’s starting to get embarrassing.”

Ele ducked her head and chuckled, slipping around the desk and wrapping her arms around herself.

“I’m not trying to,” she promised. “I suppose I’m just too quiet.”

“I’m probably too loud,” he said. “Or…not paying attention.”

“Maybe,” Ele shrugged amiably. She canted her head. “What are you running from?”

“Oh,” he gestured toward the door, and that furrow returned to his forehead. “There’s a knight out there who wants to kill me.”

Ele’s eyebrows went up.

“Kill you? Why?”

“I danced with the princess. And then I tried to get a drink of punch.” He sighed, setting his lute gently on the floor and leaning it against the mantel. “Apparently, I’m not allowed.”

Ele pulled her arms in tighter, then took a quick breath.

“That’s Sir Roderick.”

“Hm. Nice fellow,” Amber muttered.

“You’re afraid of him?” Ele wondered.

“Ha. Well,” Amber shot her a glance and sat down on the rug. “I can’t really count someone who threatens to cut off my fingers as a friend, can I?”

“What?” Ele yelped. “Roderick…Roderick said that?”

“I don’t know if it was Roderick,” Amber said. “I only just got here. I

barely remember the way to my rooms, I don’t know anyone—and I would rather not make any mortal enemies just yet.”

“You know me,” Ele corrected quietly. He looked up at her.

“Just a little,” he said. “What’s your name?”

“I’m…I’m Ele,” she said.

“Oh, well—” Amber sat up and held out his right hand to her. “My name’s Amberian, son of Caspell of Nerrinton. I’m called Amber.”

Ele hesitated, then stepped fully into the firelight and stretched out her right hand. He caught her fingers. His were warm, and soft. Again, he gave her that smile—a smile that had faded in the wake of his mood, but now shone back bright as day.

He held onto her a moment, gazing up at her. She watched the firelight play across all the colors in his eyes.

He let go.

“Nerrinton?” Ele repeated. “That’s very far south, isn’t it? Close to the ocean?”

“Mhm,” he nodded, settling back against the stone of the mantel. “It’s always hot there—it’s wonderful. Big city, busy all the time. My parents are merchants. Well…My father started the business, but then he died and his brother married my mother.”

“Oh,” Ele nodded, cautiously settling down onto her knees a few feet from him. “Have you moved in here all right? To your rooms? How are they?”

“They’re fine,” he assured her, folding his arms and stretching his legs out in front of him. “Much better than any I’ve had before. Someone named…Roger showed me the way. I tried to take your advice and memorize the halls,” he shot her a twinkling glance. “But I know I’ll get lost at least once, especially in the dark.” He shifted toward her. “So, what do you do here? You’re too well-dressed to be a kitchen maid or anything like that. Are you a lady’s maid? You help the queen?”

“When she needs me,” Ele hid a smile.

“No wonder you know everything,” he remarked.

Just outside, a sprightly whistle-and-pipe tune began to play, and the whole hall thudded with a hundred sets of footsteps, in time with the music. Amber groaned.

“I wanted to at least watch the dancing,” he complained. “But now if I show my face that knight will pound it in.”

Ele giggled, and covered her mouth with her hand.

“It isn’t funny at all,” he muttered. She choked on her laughter.

“You’re missing the party too,” Amber noted. “Why?”

“I just…” Ele lowered her hand and swallowed hard. “I wasn’t in the mood. To be around a lot of people.”

“But you like dancing,” he lifted his eyebrows.

“Yes—”

“Then let’s dance.”

Ele mentally staggered.

“What—?”

“Yes, come on,” he said, hopping to his feet. He clapped his hands once, then held them out to her. She stared at him.

“Come on,” he beckoned with his fingers.

“I only know line dances—” Ele protested.

“I’ll show you a dance we did all the time in Nerrinton,” he cut in. “You’ll pick it up right away—promise.”

“I’m…” Ele started, her heart hammering. He just waited, then looked slyly at her sideways and wiggled his fingers. She heaved a sigh, rolled her eyes, and tried not to smile as she got up and grasped his hands.

“All right, this is a quick tune, but we can do it,” he said, setting his stance. “First, it’s three fast steps this way…” He led her thus. “And then three fast steps back. Then we do that again.”

Ele battled to keep up, biting the side of her cheek.

“Then we twirl under,” he went on, and whirled her into a bridge-like spin, and they faced each other again. “Then this way three steps, that way three steps—”

Ele stumbled.

“I’m actually rubbish at dancing.” She caught her balance and blushed. “I can never pick it up—”

“Nonsense, you’re fine,” he said. “All right, the three steps is the pattern, remember that. We do that one way, then the other way, and then something in the middle, repeating. First the under twirl, then the spin, and then we come in and do the three steps a different way.”

“What different way—?”

“Three steps first. Go.” They hopped three steps one way, then three

steps back, and then he spun her around by her hands so the whole room

whirled. She accidentally giggled. He beamed.

“All right, three steps—go!”

They danced one way, then the other—

And he stepped in, slid his right arm around her waist and pulled her

against his chest. Their faces were suddenly inches apart. She looked up at him—she saw flecks of gold in his eyes. Her heart caught—

The next moment, he tugged her into a dizzying spin, and then they danced their six steps that way. Ele couldn’t breathe.

“All right, and then we start over!” Amber said, leaping back and gripping her hands again. “Three steps this way!”

They did this again and again, faster each time, it seemed—and yet, before Ele knew it, here feet were flying. And she was laughing. Laughing so hard she thought she might break a rib. Around and around they spun, across that library rug, rushing by the mantel fire, sending mad shadows flashing upon the faces of the book-covered walls.

Finally, the music burst to its end, like a firecracker, and Ele and Amber collapsed to the floor, panting through their laughter.

“Well…” Amber managed. “I might need a while to recover from that one.”

“A year at least,” Ele answered. Amber fell backward, laughing full-out, pressing both hands to his heart. Ele managed to stay sitting up, her skirt thrown haphazardly across her legs.

“Yes. At least,” Amber said, swiping at his eyes. “Especially with no food in me.”

“What?” Ele asked, brushing her own tears away. “You haven’t eaten?”

“No,” he said. “Not all day.”

“Oh, no,” Ele clambered to her feet, clearing her throat. “That isn’t good—you’ll be ill.”

“Ha, don’t worry about me. This would not be the first time I went a whole day without food.”

“Well, you shouldn’t!” Ele insisted, smoothing her hair. “Not while you live here.” She started toward the door.

“Where are you going?” Amber wondered, propping himself up on his arms.

“I haven’t eaten, either,” she told him. “We’ll have a picnic.”

“Inside?”

“Why not?” she grinned at him. He grinned back. She found the door

in the far corner—far opposite the one Amber had entered—pulled it open

and stuck her head out into the cool, dark corridor.

“Hattie,” she called in a sharp whisper. “Hattie!”

Clattering issued from the end of the hall, a door opened—light spilled out. Then, the plump maid came bustling down the hall toward her, her face pinched with alarm.

“Your Highness?” she hissed back. “What are you doing in the library?”

“Is there any food left?” Ele asked. Hattie came to a stop, and squeezed her fingers together.

“Erm—there is one little roast hen, erm…some little potatoes, some carrots, bread sauce, sweet onions—”

“Oh, good!” Ele cried. “Bring all of that, prepared for two. Along with some water. And some tea as well.”

“Two, miss?” Hattie jumped.

“Yes, the minstrel and I will be eating together in the library.”

Hattie’s mouth pursed so tightly it almost vanished.

“He hasn’t eaten the entirety of the day, and he is near collapse. I thought I would keep him company, seeing that he is a complete stranger here, and lonely for his home. Would you like to join us, Hattie?” Elle invited. “I’m certain you’d like to sit down for a while—you’ve been working so hard. Betsy too, she can come—”

The tension vanished from Hattie’s face.

“No, thank you, ma’am—maybe in a little while…But yes, I’ll get that for you, straightaway!”

“Thank you, Hattie,” Ele said sincerely, and the maid turned and bustled away. Ele shut the door again, swung around and strode back to the fireplace where Amber sat cross-legged. He watched her with narrowed eyes, and a small smile.

“What?” she asked lightly, coming to sit just in front of him, parallel to the fireplace, in the same fashion.    

“You’re more important than I thought,” Amber noted, studying her. “Giving orders to other servants? What are you, the…Mistress of the Robes?”

Ele sighed, smiled a little, then rolled her eyes at the ceiling.

“No,” she admitted. “I’m Oralia’s sister.”

She pulled her gaze down to meet his. The mirth faded from Amber’s features. He stared at her.

“Her…elder sister,” Ele added.

“Oh…” Amber’s eyebrows came together. “I…”

Ele waited, not moving.

“I’ve really put my foot in it, haven’t I?” he said.

“What?” Ele said. “What do you mean?”

“I’m…” he shook his head, baffled.

A knock came at the door. He twitched.

“Stay there,” Ele told him. She got up, hurried to the door, and opened it.

“Here you are, miss,” Hattie entered, smiling, carrying a wide tray of steaming food. Betsy, a much younger kitchen maid with frayed blonde hair, entered after her, bearing a tray with the tea and the water.

“Where would you like them?” Hattie asked.

“Just on the floor, there,” Ele pointed. “Like mother and I do when it’s cold out.”

“Yes, miss,” Hattie said, lowering the platter down to the rug with a clatter. Betsy bent and carefully did the same.

“Hattie, Betsy, may I present Amberian, the new court musician,” Ele said, gesturing to him. “Amber, this is Hattie and Betsy. They work in the kitchens. And Hattie is the greatest cook in the realm.”

“Oh, tut, tut,” Hattie waved her off, clearly pleased. “We certainly already know who this young man is.”

“Yes, we heard him singing,” Betsy murmured, her face going red.

“And a lovely voice it is, too,” Hattie declared, tipping toward him. “We are so happy to have you with us, Amberian.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Amber answered brightly. “The pleasure is mine, truly. And thank you for the food.”

“My princess’ command is my delight,” Hattie declared. “Eat quickly! Don’t let it get cold!”

“Thank you, Hattie; Betsy,” Ele dipped her head to them as they scurried out. As soon as the door had shut, Ele sat down with a huff, facing Amber, and took a deep breath of the delicious, rich, steaming scent of the roasted hen and vegetables.

“So, you were saying,” she prompted Amber, snatching up a long fork and a carving knife.

“I was saying,” Amber said. “That…I’ve only been here a day and I’ve danced with two princesses.”

“You’re liked by the royal family,” Ele said, stabbing into the hen and

deftly sawing it in half. “Isn’t that a good thing?”

“That knight will kill me,” Amber muttered. “Sir Rodback.”

“Roderick,” Ele shot him a glance.

“Yes, him.”

“Ha,” Ele snorted. “Roderick doesn’t care what I do.”

“He doesn’t? Why not?” Amber asked. She lifted her eyes to his for a moment—he gazed at her softly.

“Here,” she said, pushing half of the hen toward him. “Eat.”

“Is there…another fork?”

“No,” she set the utensils down. “No need.” And she took hold of a greasy piece of meat with her fingers, tore it off, and put it in her mouth.

“Ha. All right,” Amber chuckled, and followed suit.

Together, they ate with their fingers, not bothering to divide the food into separate portions. The hen, as usual with Hattie’s cooking, melted in Ele’s mouth, and the potatoes, carrots and onions had been glazed in honey, and roasted to utter perfection. In between ravenous bites, Ele and Amber talked about dancing, and about his mother’s cooking, which he said nearly rivaled this.

After they had cleaned the plate, Ele poured some water into a bowl and they washed their fingers, and dried them on a towel Hattie had put on the tray. Then, they drank their tea while leaning back against the warm mantel, each of them on one side of it. At last, in a moment of silence, Ele glanced up, and sighed.

“The hall has gone quiet,” she observed.

“Mm,” Amber acknowledged drowsily.

“Are you tired?”

“Mm,” he said again, stretching his legs.

“Come, then,” Ele said, setting her tea down. “I’ll walk you back to your quarters.”

Amber glanced over at her.

“Are you supposed to do that?”

She looked at him.

“Would you rather get lost?”

“No.”

“Thought not,” she said, and got to her feet, her skirts rustling. “Come on. I’ll clean this later.”

Amber groaned and stood up, then gestured to the door.

“Lead the way.”

Together they left the library and wound through the dark, hushed stone hallways, flickering in and out of the moonlight that sneaked in through the occasional window. They turned a corner—

“Watch out for the—”

“Oof!” Amber tripped down the single stair. He lashed out and grabbed her—she grabbed him back.

“—stair,” she finished, gripping his jerkin as he regained his balance.

“Why in the—” he started loudly.

“Ssh!” she giggled. “People are trying to sleep.”

“You need to tell me sooner about the stairs,” he hissed, dusting himself off.

“I tried!” she insisted. “Shh! Come on.” She reached down and grasped his hand. In spite of his loss of footing, his fingers wrapped around hers in instant trust. Her heart warmed. She tugged on him, and together they pattered down the final stretch of corridor.

“All right—this is your room, isn’t it?” Ele gestured to a low door.

“Yes,” he answered breathlessly. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Get some sleep!”

Amber passed around her and opened the door.

“Thank you for the evening,” he said. “I enjoyed myself.”

“Yes,” she answered. “I’m…I’m glad you’ve come to Tirincashel.”

“So am I!” he agreed. He reached out, his hand blundered into her arm, and he squeezed her fingers. “Goodnight!”

“Goodnight!” she replied. And with that, he ducked inside, and shut the door behind him.   

Read this book: https://www.amazon.com/Scales-Fresh-Telling-Beauty-Beast-ebook/dp/B072JTPP3C/ref=pd_sim_351_2/146-6363556-3395043?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B072JTPP3C&pd_rd_r=ab0c3f28-93dd-409c-b443-b38d0d56a0f0&pd_rd_w=VQqvj&pd_rd_wg=BOYjn&pf_rd_p=5abf8658-0b5f-405c-b880-a6d1b558d4ea&pf_rd_r=BW8S2ZGZQ4AV8K2H1GGE&psc=1&refRID=BW8S2ZGZQ4AV8K2H1GGE

#beauty and the beast #beauty and beast #beauty beast #disney #belle #beast #beastly #fairyseason #once upon a dream #once upon a time #grimm #fairy tales #fairy tale #tale as old as time #cover #novel #book cover #book #original #retelling #romance #true love #magic #fantasy #princess #witch #curse #spell #magic spell #magic castle

[goddessofthundathighs]

Chapter 2

___________________

Summary: An arrogant young disciple of Bastet is forced to spend lifetimes roaming the Earth in search of her soulmate, but what happens when she tries to run from destiny?

___________________

“Mani! Stop playing with that damn cat and come eat!” Anubis and I shared a look before I willed myself to respond.

“Coming mama,” I forced out, even though I was centuries older than this mother figure. As punishment for my slip of the tongue back on the Ancestral Plane, Bast and the rest of the Ancestors thought it would be comical for me to roam the earth for lifetimes on end looking for my soulmate.

“How am I supposed to find him, my goddess?” I found myself questioning the darkness on countless occasions. Her voice in my head always recited the same phrase.

“His heart shines of gold, just like yours.” Great. That’s a lot of fucking help, Bastet.

I slowly made my way through the cramped two-bedroom that I shared with my “mom”, “brother” and “sister”.

“Wassup Wallace?” I heard my brother speak as I rounded the corner to the kitchen. I’d heard his name and seen him in passing, but had never physically been in him presence. When his eyes met mine, I immediately felt the shift. Time stopped momentarily as his entire aura began to glow that signature golden hue that I was all too familiar with. I could no longer make out anything else in the room except him and that little peanut head.

“That’s the one,” Anubis purred as he made his way downstairs, making himself comfortable on the arm of the couch. It was his voice that brought me back to the present where I found that all eyes were on me.

“Huh?” I asked assuming someone had asked a question.

“I asked if you still had time to help Wallace with his math. He dropped out a few years back and sometimes things get a little difficult for him.”

“How you a drug dealer but can’t count?” I asked before I could catch myself.

“Look, if you gone be a bitch about it, then forget it. I can get somebody else to help me.” “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that. Of course I’ll help you.”

--

“Ayo Mani, can I ask you something?”

“Wassup?” I asked as I helped him tidy up the small apartment. To my surprise, semi-illiterate drug dealer was only one aspect of his complex personality. He had taken personal responsibility for a lot of the younger kids in our neighborhood, housing them in a squatter’s apartment, packing their lunches, and making sure they got to school on time. When they returned, he and I both helped them with their homework.

“Why you always staring at me? It’s like you looking through me or some shit.”

“If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me,” I deadpanned.

“Try me,” he said as he put the last of the toys away. I sighed deeply before the truth spilled from my lips in a hurried whisper.

“Well, my name is Abhimani and I am a disciple of the Panther Goddess Bast.  I’m 2,016 years old and I was sent here as punishment. I can’t return to my home on the Ancestral Plane until I find my soulmate, well actually I have to help my soulmate find me.” As to be expected, he looked at me as though I’d grown two extra heads.

“Riiight,” he said pulling his fist to his mouth to mask the laugh that was stuck in the back of his throat.

“Well, apparently you’re my soulmate,” I finished. It was at this that he doubled over in laughter. “You been smoking some of your brother’s trees, huh? Soulmates? Panther Goddess Bast? Girl we 16 years old. Ain’t nobody tryna find no soulmate. I’m tryna get this money so I can get my black ass out of Baltimore.” I sighed in defeat as he continued to ridicule me and my logic. The icing on the cake was when he noticed a meek looking black cat in the doorway of the apartment.

“I’ma let you and your goddess talk things out. I’ll be back around when you come to your senses.” He grabbed his backpack and was gone without even the slightest look back. The cat stepped into the space, tilting its head slightly to the right as it stared into my soul. Suddenly the entire room was black except for the golden light that illuminated my goddess. I bowed before her before voicing my frustrations about what had just transpired.

“I’m sick of this shit already,” I spat.

“Watch your tone, child. You really thought that would work?”

“How else was I supposed to do it?”

“Foolish child. Leave it to me I’ll make sure he listens.”

--

In the days that followed my confession, Wallace seemed to have vanished off the face of the earth. I honestly couldn’t blame him. After questioning some of the guys around the hood, I learned that after Brandon’s body was found outside of his house, Wallace decided that he wanted to go back to school and leave the drug game alone. I was told that he’d been sent to live with his grandmother in Cambridge and though I was happy that he was trying to get his life together, he still didn’t believe me about us being soulmates, therefore I was stuck to roam this stupid planet until I found him.

“Wallace.” The usual hustle and bustle of the city at night had been replaced by an eerie silence. Wallace sat up slowly from his marijuana induced coma and almost shit his pants when he opened his eyes to take in the giant pather’s head that now replaced his bedroom door.

“Yo what the fuck?” he yelled into darkness, still not convinced that he was fully awake.

“Lower your tone when you address me, boy!” she growled.

“W-Who are you?” he choked out, climbing backwards to the head of his bed.

“I have a feeling that you know exactly who I am,” she spat. “Why are you running from your destiny, Wallace?”

“Yo I’m not ready to be anybody’s soulmate. I’m barely taking care of myself. What’s gonna happen to me when niggas find out I’m working with 5-0?”

“You’ll be protected if you follow my instructions. Go back to Baltimore, to Abhimani. Share your destiny with her so that you both can be rid of this forsaken curse.” Without another word the room was back to normal and Wallace was once again alone with his thoughts.

--

“You sure that nigga working with 5-0?” Poot questions Bodie as they wait for Wallace to open the door to his apartment.

“Positive, well at least Stringer thinks so. Why you think that nigga came back?”

“Because Cambridge is boring as shit, that’s why,” Poot deadpans. On the other side of the city, I felt a presence pull me out of my sleep.

“Go to him, Abhimani. He needs you. Wake up, now!” Before I knew it, I’d climbed out of our 4th floor window and was running full-speed to Wallace’s apartment.

“You a weak ass nigga, man. You should’ve stayed in the country.” Bodie taunts when they finally have him cornered.

“Come on man, we boys. You don’t gotta do this,” Wallace pleads.

“Faster Mani, he doesn’t have much time left!”

“You claim to be a man, but you pissin’ ya pants like a lil’ boy! Stand up straight and be a man!” Bodie taunts again, pointing the gun directly at his chest. BANG! My feet temporarily stop.

“No, no, no! Please!” I begged as I willed my feet to carry me faster. Two more shots ring out and I see two figures run from the direction of Wallace’s apartment.

“Wallace?” I managed to choke out. The space was eerily quiet and it made me sick. I traveled up the short flight of stairs and immediately fell to my knees at the sight before me. His golden aura was gone and there he lay, lifeless before me. For the first time since I’d left the Ancestral Plane, I let myself feel human emotion. I cried until my eyes no longer produced tears and my sobs had been replaced with ragged breaths.

“He didn’t deserve this!” I screamed to no one in particular.

“Then next time, move faster.”

____________________________

TAGS: @jozigrrl @itsangeludaku @thehomierobbstark @eriknutinthispoosy @hearteyes-for-killmonger @muse-of-mbaku @amethyst1993 @killmongersgurl @trevantesbrat @hdkween @iamrheaspeaks @princesskillmonger @ayellepea @vikkidc @laketaj24 @madamslayyy @allhailnjadaka @purple-apricots @thadelightfulone @theunsweetenedtruth @wakanda-inspired @panthergoddessbast @blackpantherismyish @yaachtynoboat711 @forbeautyandlife @bidibidibombaclaat @quietstorm-73 @youreadthatright

#Erik Stevens #Adonis Creed #Wallace #Soulmate AU #vanity writes #my shit #Next Lifetime #Erik x Black OC #Bastet #Panther Goddess Bast #Abhimani #Abhimani Wright

[jazon-todd]

hi! i wanted to talk with you about your xmcu post and mcu screwing them over! i totally get what you’re saying, but its also important to remember how much the xmcu screwed over poc. as a black person, ill never forgive the xmcu for one) killing off their only darkskinned black character (darwin) and two) for casting storm with a light skinned actress. the xmcu does not have a single non-whitewashed black character. black people cant exist in the xmcu.

the mcu is like, the poster child for whitewashing as well, but after black pather i have higher standards for black representation in film. again, i get what you’re saying, but its also super important that we recognize how our identies effect how we view things. as a black person, i can never forgive the xmcu. this isnt meant aggressivley, i am sorry if it comes across that way! thank you!

oh 10000000000%. their treatment of black characters has always been absolute trash. and they completely nerfed storm when all of her fights should have ended in like 1.5 seconds flat. like in dark phoenix during the new york scene I was just like HOW is this man not unconscious yet. she’s literally supposed to be the strongest x-men and she had to work to fight a dude who controlled his HAIR.

I’m not black and I don’t want to ever say something that would come off as me not knowing what the hell I’m talking about or make a complete ass of myself, so thank you for this message! I made that post when I was like going on a rant about disney that’s like slowly becoming this huge monopoly that no one is stopping, but all of these superhero movies have always had these huge representation issues. marvel has a loooooong way to go until they’re like… at least decent at not whitewashing/nerfing/erasing the sexuality of every character imaginable, but I will say that I hope with the merger of fox and disney, the mcu can finally get it together and like, get and recast characters that actually represent who they are in the comics. chances are I’ll probably never watch another future x-men or marvel movie again (I’m in the same boat as you, they killed off one Jew and casted a white woman to play the other, so the mcu is dead to me, and the x-men universe would be too but it already died so), but if they actually start taking steps to better both the mcu and the x-men universe (and it not just being some “girl power!!1!” 5 second scene like there apparently was in endgame), I miiiight just have to start paying attention to them again

hopefully now that these huge movie franchises are seeing what we’ve been saying for years that, hey, white men might not be the only people who can carry a movie, they actually start giving a damn about actual representation and what these characters mean to people who are tired of seeing the same whitewashed, nerfed, expressionless characters every other movie

#idk I feel like I'm rambling I'm sorry! #Anonymous

[mardymaid]

Getting to know you better..

I was tagged by @movioletta in this (*waves* thank you)! Sorry this has taken me a while! I’m slowly catching up (maybe).

Relationship Status: Pretty established (like over two decades).

Favorite Colors: It really depends what for, I like greens on things but not to wear, purple as a concept, and reds or shades of to wear (with black obviously).

Top Three Ships:  It was Han/Leia head and shoulders above all others for decades and I thought that maybe it just caught me at that time in life when you are realising these things,  and that no other ship would ever be like that for me. Then Jyn/Cassian totally changed all that (I don’t know maybe it just caught me in my grief an on the rebound after TFA or maybe some other magic was at work). I think probably surpasses Han/Leia for me now - but only time will really tell. Any third is quite distance or different. There are lots of relationship I love but don’t have the same yearning about and I don’t really mind if they’re romantic or platonic I just like seeing them together (Mulder/Scully, Fitzsimmons, Jonny & Dutch (Killyjoys), Tilly & Michael (Star Trek Discovery), Zena & Gabriel) ok Zena/Gabriel would be nice! 

Lipstick or Chapstick: Niether, but all these questions about this are making me worry about that lack. Actually I do go on a lipstick buying spree every so often (I’ve bought eight in the last 3 months), but I never wear the stuff (worn lipstick outside the house zero times in the last three months). 

Last Song: This posted by @ienthuse

Last Movie: We (re-)watched Bladerunner 2049 on bluray last night (oh the look feel and sound of that film). Last at the cinema was Black Pather (also beautiful) 

Top 3 Shows:  We just finished loads and I’m wondering what next. Waiting for the next series of The expanse, looking forward to Westworld, hoping they don’t ruin it, trying to persuade the other half to watch the rest of Peaky blinders with me. 

Top 3 Bands/Artists: Oh I just can’t! I’m gong to struggle to give you top three music genre.

I am currently reading: I’m not! I’ve been neck deep in some really involved (urgent - isn’t it always) stuff at work and I just haven’t have the energy or focus in my downtime to read, or anything much really at the moment. Sorry.

I’d love to know you all better but still difficult to ask. Do this if you’d like and do let me know if you do!

#stuff you really didn't want to know about me #tumblr tricksandnonsense #in chains

[bloody-bee-tea]

Your prompts are open! Yay! Can we have more Iron-Pather drabble please. I'd love to see Protective! T'Challa who be like ' yes, mhm. Okay. I hear you. Now step away from Tony Stark or I will cut you. I demand it as King of Wakanda.'

This one is a bit over 1.6k words, so watch out for the cut.

Tony wasn’t very comfortable with runningaround in Wakanda like he belonged there.

It was still hard to believe some days thatT’Challa really wanted him to be there, and he knew that he was bothering theDora Milaje more than he should, so he really didn’t want to impose no thepeople in Wakanda as well.

So he stayed in the palace most of histime, always close to T’Challa, because he still wasn’t sure about his placethere.

The revised Accords still weren’t through,mostly because a lot of people were unhappy with the changes made to them andso the emotions were high strung on that topic.

Rhodey was doing better, almost walkingwithout another aid than the braces, and being away from everything, relaxingin Wakanda did wonders for him too.

Bucky was still somewhere in cryo in thepalace, but Tony didn’t know where and he really didn’t want to anyway. Steveand the rest of the team were long gone again; T’Challa’s hospitality onlycovered so much, and so there was no danger for Tony to run into any of them.

Which was just fine with Tony, given thathe still woke up with nightmares about the shield coming down more nights thannot.

T’Challa was always understanding, rightthere by his side, holding Tony afterwards and mumbling soothing words into hishair.

Tony didn’t really understand how he alldeserved this, how he managed to snatch up someone as amazing as T’Challa, buthe wasn’t about to question it to hard. There was a good chance that it wouldbe snatched away from him if he questioned T’Challa’s decisions and so Tonyjust accepted it for the miracle it was.

Since Tony didn’t like walking aroundwithout T’Challa by his side he hadn’t met that many Wakandan citizens butapparently they were mostly in favour of Tony, simply because he made T’Challahappy.

Tony was baffled about that, but he wasalso grateful that there was no outright hostility against him. He didn’t wantto put T’Challa to the test, but he was fairly certain that T’Challa’saffection wouldn’t hold up against the demands of his people.

That still didn’t change the fact that hewent to dinner with T’Challa when he asked.

“Love, what’s bothering you?” T’Challaasked during their dinner and Tony realized with a start that he had beenmostly quiet this whole time, which was unusual for him at the best of times.

“Nothing,” Tony tried but T’Challa levelledhim with that look that meant he was calling Tony out on his bullshit withoutactually saying anything and Tony sighed.

“I’m not so sure your people like me,” Tonymumbled towards his food and T’Challa immediately looked around.

The Dora Milaje were standing a bit awayfrom them, keeping their distance to give them privacy, but close enough tostep in if anything should require it. They looked indifferent, but going bythe slightly widened eyes T’Challa immediately noticed the looks of the otherpeople in the diner.

They were eyeing Tony mostly, and whilesome displayed just the normal amount of interest, a lot more were unfriendlyor outright hostile.

T’Challa tensed and Tony was sorry that heeven mentioned it. He hadn’t wanted to ruin their date.

“Is that why you don’t go out much?” T’Challaasked him and Tony reluctantly nodded.

“Has anyone said anything to you?” T’Challainquired further and not his voice was a bit sharper.

“No,” Tony admitted. “It’s just me being…,”he had wanted to say ‘scared’ but T’Challa didn’t let him.

“Nonsense. You shouldn’t have to feelscared here, this was supposed to be like a vacation for you,” T’Challa toldhim and it was then that one of the other patrons got up and walked up to theirtable.

Okoye immediately stepped forward but T’Challawaved her off while Tony tried to make himself smaller.

The man clearly had a problem with Tony,going by the burning glance he threw Tony, and Tony had feared this all along.

Not even because of himself, he was used tothis kind of thing, but it threw a bad light on T’Challa and Tony was stillsomehow convinced that if T’Challa heard what his people thought he would cometo his mind and break up with Tony.

The man stopped right in front of Tony, whokept his glance firmly on this food.

“Murderer,” the man started without anyregard for his king as it seemed and Tony could barely suppress a flinch.

“You are a murderer, Stark, loyal to no onebut yourself, and you might have bewitched our king but don’t make the mistaketo believe that we will ever bow to you, consort or not. You are no one to us,and we won’t welcome you here,” the man said and his voice was cutting.

Tony didn’t react much, apart from taking afew deep breaths, but T’Challa stood up, demanding attention just by that.

The man immediately turned to his king, butTony could tell that he wasn’t about to back off.

“My king,” the man said, with just theminimum amount of respect.

“Maybe you want to say that again?” T’Challaasked and the man straightened up.

“Sure do. He is a murderer and he shouldn’teven be allowed in the country, let alone in your bed,” the man said and Tonycould see Okoye tensing.

“He hangs his flag with the wind, always outfor profit, and he makes money off the deaths of innocents. He couldn’t keephis team in check and he won’t change, no matter what anyone says. He’s aninventor; did it ever occur to you that he might just be here to get a goodlook at our technology and that he is with you so that he can get his hands onvibranium?” the man said and Tony had to admit that he had a lot of courage,standing up to his king like that.

“Yes,mhm. Okay. I hear you. Now step away from Tony Stark or there will beconsequences. I demand it as King of Wakanda.”

Tony hadn’t expected T’Challa to sound socalm and collected but T’Challa didn’t waver.

The man took a step towards Tony, but T’Challawas between them in an instant.

“If you touch him there will be consequences,”T’Challa steadily said and the man stopped. “He is my consort, under royalguard, freed of all accusations against him, and you’d do well to rememberthat.”

“No one will accept him here,” he spat buthe stepped away, threw some money on his table and left the restaurant.

Tony took a deep breath and then T’Challawas at his side.

“Let’s go home,” he said and Tony nodded.

The drive home was silent and only whenthey were in their bedroom did T’Challa turn to him.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” T’Challaasked Tony, who just shrugged.

“It’s not like he was wrong,” Tony managedto get out and T’Challa tensed. “I mean, you must have had these thoughts too.I don’t have a good track record with people I care for; I broke up the team inthe most violent way possible and I am taking a good look at your technology,you know that. You even offered me vibranium and people are right to accuse meof only being here for that.”

Now T’Challa took a step back as if he hadbeen hit.

“Are they?” he asked and his voice soundedhurt. “Are you just here for that?”

“Of course not,” Tony immediately said.

“Then why would you say that then?” T’Challaasked him.

“Because it’s a logical conclusion forevery outsider. You must have thought it too, in the beginning; don’t pretend.It has to have been a legit concern.”

“It was,” T’Challa agreed and Tony refusedto let it show just how much that hurt him. “Of course I thought about that.But I also discarded that thought as soon as it came to me. You wouldn’t dothat; there is no malicious intent in your actions and you would never consciouslyhurt me or my nation like that. Would you?”

“Of course not,” Tony immediately said.

“That’s what I thought,” T’Challa said andthen pulled him into a hug. “He was out of place to speak like that; I haveknown about my people’s reservations towards you, but they have no right toaccuse you publicly like that.”

“You didn’t have to defend me,” Tonymumbled.

“It didn’t look like you were about todefend yourself, and I will not stand for hostility like that. You are myguest, my love, and I would defend anyone I love.”

“You might have to do it more often thanyou would like,” Tony muttered and T’Challa hummed.

“Or maybe we could let them finally knowthat you improved a lot of our inventions and that you are still pushing forthe Accords. It might change their point of view.”

“It might,” Tony agreed and then sighed. “Fine.If you think it will help we can let them know. But I never wanted to buy myway into Wakanda like that, I need you to know that.”

“You are not buying your way into anything.If you remember correctly, I am richer than you,” T’Challa said with a smallsmile.

“You wouldn’t ever let me forget it,” Tonysaid, remembering all the times he wasn’t allowed to pay for their dinner orother necessities.

“And I will also never let you forget thatI love you and that you are more than welcome here,” T’Challa gave back rightbefore he leaned in to kiss Tony.

If T’Challa underlined his statements likethat, Tony would soon be convinced of their truth.

#bt answers #bt writes #ironpanther drabble #claireplaybook #the wakandans are not very welcoming #t'challa is not amused