holly and jolly

Day One: Favourite OC of mine (aka an oc that you own and love)

Day Two: Favourite OC that isn't mine (aka a user's OC that you love)

Day Three: Favourite ship of mine (aka a ship between your own OCs that you love)

Day Four: Favourite ship that isn't mine (aka a ship between two OCs that you don't own personally)

Day Five: Spread the Love! Give a shoutout to your fellow users/friends etc of the fandom!

“Yes. I’ve missed you, and we won’t have a moment later. Please?”

“But we can’t leave the children unattended!”

Fred was about to concede when a voice she hadn’t heard in a long time reassured them “I’d be happy to watch them for you, my lady.”

The marriage whipped their heads to see a red head that they hadn’t seen in ten years “Go,” she insisted “your children will be in my care. Two hours shall suffice.”

Not taking chances, Fred whisked his wife away to another wing, one reserved for the royal family’s friends and lovers. The moment they were away from earshot, Freddie kissed Henriette fervently, picking her up “Geirmund!” She gasped, giggling like a silly teenager.

Their laughs were muffled after Fred opened the first door he spotted and closed it behind him, throwing his wife to bed, his shirt already on the floor “You heard our friend. We’ve got around two hours. Best to make them count.”

Henriette chuckled “Shut up and take me already.”

They rolled in the sheets, basking into the beautiful, stolen moment between them.

Brunhilda stood watch of Lady Henriette’s children, observing the merry scene in front of her, alongside keeping an eye on her own children. She chuckled, seeing how a clumsy little Louis tried to learn to dance from Dayana, who was already as graceful as herself.

However, the moment she saw a familiar blond hair, she froze “Come on, Sissy!” The little girl who greatly resembled her Mathilde cried “Before Sam spots us!”

Her heart hammered. They were here. She discreetly looked around the ballroom, and spotted Lachlann Doherty chatting with a duke, visibly bored by his hunting habits, perhaps. He looked up, and quickly spotted her. He had gotten taller, had gained muscle, grown his hair and the innocence in his beautiful eyes were gone, now replaced with sage and that fierceness that had beguiled her enough to give herself to him before her wedding. Excusing himself, he approached her, and she bowed “Mr. Doherty.”

“Bruna,” he marvelled “you haven’t aged a day. You look… as beautiful as I remember.”

“You have turned into a handsome man as well.”

He smiled “I’m glad my new look pleases you.”

She bit her lip “You always aimed to please.”

“That I do.”

They stood there, silent and processing the fact that she was here, before his eyes. He cleared his throat, washing away his last memory of her “Where is your husband? Again solving world hunger by himself?”

She bit a chuckle “Unfortunately, my dear husband has a stomachal issue.”

“Ah. How unfortunate.”

“Unfortunate indeed.”

A soft tune started playing, and Lam stretched out his hand “Dance with me.”

“What about your wife?”

“We shall greet her afterwards. She’s been asking about you.”

She gingerly took his hand and started dancing, as if ten years hadn’t gone by. It was a rather intimate tune, and often their hands grazed, their eyes never wavering from the other, as if the world ceased to exist. To finish, he spun her around and gently set her to the floor, their gazes still on one another. She was wearing a beautiful green dress, and her hair was up and visible by her thin veil, which didn’t conceal much of her powerful red.

Both clearing their throats, they abandoned the dancefloor and went towards Lady Mathilde, who had a baby Felix in her arms, cooing. Bruna’s heart melted at the sight. She was a formidable mother.

Mathilde looked up and brightened up “Bruna, Cherie!” She greeted her warmly, beaming. “Look at you, you don’t look a day over five and twenty!”

“You flatter me, dear.”

Just then, Dayana, Matilda and Louis came running, probably finishing playing tag. They stopped at the sight of their mother and quickly came by her side “Lord Lachlann, Lady Mathilde, these are my children; Dayana, Matilda and Louis.”

They all bowed and Mathilde’s gaze rested upon redheaded, little Matilda. Then, she looked at Bruna with fondness in her eyes “Are you the Mathilde I was named after, ma’am?”

“It seems I am.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet my namesake.”

Mathilde beamed and kissed her cheek “And I am happy that such a beauty was named after me.”

Matilda smiled bashfully and hid behind her mother’s skirt.

“You have lovely children, my lady.” Lachlann spoke.

“Thank you, my lord, they are my pride and joy.”

Lachlann beckoned his own children to come and introduced his to Bruna “These are my own; Caitlin, Sam, Simone and Fèlix.”

“Is she the Lady Bruna you always talk about, papa?”

Bruna raised her eyebrows and Lachlann cleared his throat “Yes, Caitlin, she is.” He gave her a look and she quickly took the hint.

“Ahem, well, we should let our children carry on playing! Dayana, darling, do keep your new friends entertained, and include the Dohertys to your playdate?”

“Yay!” Louis cheered “More friends!”

The eight of them ran off to where Henriette’s children had been playing. Lachlann and Mathilde shared a look before she offered “It seems like dinner will be ready soon. Would you like to sit with us and catch up?”

Bruna smiled genuinely “I’d love nothing more. I want to hear all about your adventures!”

Henriette and Frederick were cuddling, relishing on the passionate moment they had just shared. Looking at the direction of the sun, Frederick sighed “We ought to get going. Dinner shall be ready soon, and we’ve been away for a while.”

“As long as you tell me where did you throw off my stockings again.”

Fred smirked “Too focused on kissing you to remember,”

She playfully shoved him “You’re terrible!”

Both got dressed hastily and Henriette saw something move within the trees. She frowned.

“My love? The gong just rang. We have to move now, or else we’ll raise a few eyebrows.”

She shook it off “Right.”

They entered the room a few minutes before the monarchs and sighed in relief, sitting right where they had been assigned. She spotted Lady Brunhilda and smiled at her as a thank you, and saw her cozy in the table with Lord Lachlann and Lady Mathilde. She hoped to repay the favour soon.

The monarchs were announced and the usual protocol was made, and all started to dine and converse, talking about this morning. But Henriette had a feeling. Something was about to happen, she was sure. This day was far from over. Somehow, she knew.

Like clockwork, the doors slammed open, and a figure that they didn’t expect came to greet them, a malicious smile on its face. She looked at Betwixt, who was as shocked.

“Helloooooo, children! Guess who has misbehaved!”

A noble lady pointed at the monster and cried out “The Krampus!” Before fainting with shock.

“Shit.” Said Fred before readying his weapon. 

A small black carriage being pulled along by a single Abraxan thundered through the trees, the mighty stallion seemingly knowing where to go on instinct. Inside the carriage, a young man with bright scarlet hair tinkered and fidgeted with a collection of gears and cogs with a thin golden screwdriver. The woman sitting next to him placed her hand on one of his own, hers just about larger than his.

"Dear, it'll be alright, I promise." Helen Graham said to her husband, smiling down at him. She too had red hair, though hers was more orange. "We're here to celebrate, not to mourn or worry." she reminded him, her voice still retaining a Louisiana accent.

Fred sighed, leaning back on his seat. "I know, I know...I just wonder if he knows that."

"He's not your responsibility." Helen said, sharply. "If he does show up tonight, he knows full well that he's expected to be Merry."

"That's just the thing, though." Fred put the gizmo he was working on back in his pocket as the trees started to clear. "The grief hasn't dimmed his wits. He knows he's being unreasonable, but it's as if he physically can't help it. It must be driving him mad."

"Well, maybe this would do him some good. If Prim can't get him smiling again, no one can." Helen declared, as the huge estate very quickly appeared out their windows.

"I do wish you wouldn't jinx it like that, dear." Fred said, chuckling in spite of himself.

"I'll jinx you in a minute. I'm not having you both moping about, alright?" Helen said, a smirk on her face as the Abraxan pulled in outside Winbourne.

The pair got out, Fred checking the time on a gold and scarlet pocket watch of his own design. "Just on time, I think." He observed, putting it back in his pocket.

Helen leant forward and look at it before he stuffed it away, noticing a small hourglass at its center. "Don't tell me you put one of your Time-Turners in there?" she asked, incredulously.

"It's not a Time-Turner...it's also a Time-Teller, see?" Fred replied, that full grin returning to his face once more. "Come on, we ought to find our hosts."

They walked up the steps towards the gates, Fred pointing out things that caught his eye as they moved through the snow, Helen doing very much the same. It helped that Helen was able to use her Ancient Magic to keep the snow off of them, and Fred was able to slow down the snowflakes so they were suspended in time, very slowly completing their descent. Soon, though, they made it to the front doors, and the one on the left opened to reveal the Viscountess of Winbourne, Primrose Gray herself.

"Prim!" Fred exclaimed on impulse, earning him a raised eyebrow and laugh from his wife. At this point, of course, they had all known each other for years, and were used to Fred saying what came from the heart almost instantly. "...I mean, ah, Good evening, Lady Primrose. It truly is a pleasure to see you."

Prim smiled at the both of them. "Good evening, Fred, Helen. It is always wonderful to see you both. How was the journey? Not too snowy?"

Helen smiled a little and nodded. "Not for us, of course, or our Abraxan." she said, gesturing to the large horse. "A gift from Baroness Osada. She's got...quite a few equines back in Poland."

"I'm sure she does." Prim nodded, looking back briefly into the warm interior of the building. "Well, please, come right in, Malcolm will show you where you can put your coats."

Helen, who to this day had not acclimated to the British winter, nodded rapidly before following Malcolm inside. Fred took a step forward too, but paused. Prim stopped as well, looking over to him. "Something the matter, Fred?"

In his years dealing with it, Fred had found that he had developed almost a sixth sense when it came to telling where ancient magic was nearby. And he felt a very familiar source of it walking through the snow behind him. "...I do believe that's Mr Doherty approaching the gates."

Fred watched as Prim stepped outside, still a little shell-shocked that Atticus had even bothered to show up. Then again, at times the man now shuffling through the night looked like a stranger. His green eyes lacked that brilliant shine he had whenever he came up with a brilliant idea (or any idea for that matter), and his clothes seemed to flow around him, shifting in and out of the darkness. But what really surprised Fred was the fact that on his best friend's head, covering his jet-black hair, was a hat.

A Hat. If it were any other gentleman of the period, nobody would have batted an eye. In fact, it was what gentleman were expected to wear. Yet, here he was, in a hat, walking into Winbourne. Hell must have been as cold as it was outside that night. Fred wasn't sure what to do, but perhaps that was why he wasn't the one hosting. Atticus looked up at Fred and Prim, his expression unreadable. Lady Primrose kept the door held open. "Good evening, Atticus," she said, as the wind howled, the moon appearing briefly in between the clouds. "Welcome to Winbourne. Please, come in, you look frozen, poor thing."

Atticus blinked, clearly not having expected that. Fred recognised the expression now. It was the look he'd always give Lillian whenever she caught him out on a flaw in his logic. "...Thank you, Lady Primrose." he said, almost out of social etiquette. Good evening to you, too." And with that, he was up the stairs and walking into the house. Fred came in afterwards, followed by Prim. In a weird way, he had almost expected the cold to follow Atticus through into the house, but with Prim and Malcolm showing them to a cloakroom to drop off their cloaks and bags, Fred felt a small amount of warmth returning to him.

FAMILY 

Mother: Henriette of Wessex

Akelda and Henriette have a special connection, for Akelda was born of a difficult and traumatic birth in which mother and child almost died. Henriette thinks of Akelda pure of this world's malices.

Father: Frederick of Kent, né Geirmund Eriksson ( @that-scouse-wizard )

Akelda loves her father dearly and always likes to help him with his long hair and hear about his birth land, Denmark. She ideolises him and always makes him flower crowns

Other relatives: Odalric the Red, oldest brother

Her only brother, he's quite protective of her and always does his best to be a good brother to her. Her death will always mark him.

Denegifu Alpin, neé of Scotland

Her role model, Akelda always had some sisterly jealousy, for she was everything she wished to be: pretty, witty and strong. She always loved to have her hair combed by her and was the one to convince her parents to let Denegifu marry into the Scottish royal family

Juliana of York

The most ambitious of her sisters, she was always lowkey intimidated by her, but admired her determination and wished she had her tenacity. She led quite a scandalous life after Akelda passed away

Cuthfelda of Ireland

Akelda loved her sister dearly, but sadly never got to see the woman she'd become or the family line she'd found.

Hilda the Smith

Akelda personally took care of brave and curious Hilda and enhanced her love for smithing. Hilda's first sword would be forged in her memory

Agatha of Kent

Her youngest sister, Agatha has few memories of her, and since she was very young when Akelda passed away, she loved her very much and was the one to sing her to sleep.

Friends: Helena Ravenclaw

Both with different characters, but with a strong connection, they became great friends despite the large age gap and both died a few months apart.

Significant Other: Edward the Valiant ( @cursedvaultss )

Akelda and Edward had grown up in similar circles. Their mothers' mentors, Helga and Rowena, were good friends who, seeking a strong alliance, betrothed Henriette and Elfreda's children, thus making themselves close allies.

Both were shy to one another, but bonded over flora and duty to their families, and soon started to fall in love. They rode together and could talk for hours, and, despite her delicate health, spent many hours together.

However, Akelda had a new sickly episode and was bedridden for months. Thankfully, she fully recovered and plans to marry were set on motion. Until, one day, as they had a family picnic in a beautiful meadow full of flowers, she and Edward kissed for the first and final time.

A few minutes later, she passed away in her father's arms suddenly on her father's arms. She had been poisoned by a family rival that was bitter of Frederick being the new king's favourite. Her death would be the catalyst to forge her whole family's lives.

PERSONALITY

Overall personality: Akelda is shy and quiet, with common sense and a very kind and pure heart and soul. She prefers animals and nature to people, though there are exceptions. She likes peace and quiet, though knows that with five sisters and a brother it's quite the Odyssey.

Positive traits: Kindhearted, with common sense, pure of heart and soul, peaceful and wise

Negative traits: Shy and reserved

Guilty pleasure: She likes reptiles

HOMETOWN

Winbourne Manor, Wessex, England

BACKSTORY 

Akelda of East Anglia was the fourth daughter out of seven children of Lady Henriette of Wessex and Frederick of Kent, and grew up in a loving and highly respected household, for her mother was a powerful woman and her father was a fierce and feared warrior.

She was the shiest of her siblings, and her parents thought her pure and blessed, for she had been born of a difficult birth that almost killed her and her mother.

When she was twelve, she was betrothed to Edward the Valiant, a remarkable student and fighter, as well as his remarkable character. They spent wonderful years together before, when she was 16, she died of poisoning after recovering from a deadly illness.

MISC

She collects bugs to sketch them and then sets them free

Out of her sisters, her hair is the 'shortest' one, only measuring 36cm

Her almost white hair was taken by her parents as a sign of purity and holiness

She grew up during the highest tensions at Hogwarts

She was later called to history 'the tragic' due to her death being the catalyst to her whole family's fate

Her mother died a few months later due to a broken heart because of her death

She left behind a wild mare, Boudicca, whom she entrusted to Edward

She was the best painter among her sisters and made remarkable portraits of her family and idols