All I can say is, I was enchanted to meet you.

🌣 ── ☼ ─ ☀ ─ ☼ ── 🌣

August had not realized when he’d made his hasty departure weeks ago that he would be so missed.

He knew that there would be a moderate amount of curiosity as to his whereabouts, that perhaps some would worry on his behalf about the rough seas, but he had not anticipated Lyra’s reaction.

“You wrote me a letter! I wrote you back. Did you not receive it?” August questioned as he withdrew from her embrace, his tone a mix of amusement and surprise.

In truth, he had absconded because of Teddy and Damien. It was a fact that he could not avoid telling, as Lady Chattermore had seemingly reported such a thing in her papers and his letter to Lyra had not denied it. But his mother’s birthday celebration was neither the time nor the place for him to pour his heart out to his dearest friend, so he shrugged off her question and offered her a smile.

“Last minute excursion,” he answered instead, continuing into a half-truth. “My mother’s favorite shade of paint requires a very specific shell from a land far away. It would have been a shame not to procure it for her this year. I do apologize for not being able to spend more than the essential time at your brother’s wedding, as I realize it’s been too long since we’ve been able to speak. But I am well. And I have missed you. Thank you for coming to the festival, even though you are clearly not currently pleased with my behavior.”

╔═══*.·:·.☽✧    ✦    ✧☾.·:·.*═══╗

“You poor silly fool,” Lyra sighed, rubbing her temples gently. “I did receive. And it was a good thing I did or I would have grabbed the nearest ship and gone looking for you! I have never been so worried in all my life and my brother and father are both in the navy!”

Never the less, she smiled at him, relaxing now that she was sure he was safe, alive, and doing alright. It was obvious to her he didn’t really wish to speak on the matters that had sent him running. That could be wrung from him later.

“I would follow you into a river to keep you from drowning if I had to.” She it very simply because to her it was simple. August was her dearest friend and she would stop at nothing to see his happiness fulfilled. “Coming to your mother’s festival when I am cross at you is nothing. 

“Besides,” she teased, “your parents adore me. They would be so terribly sad if I did not make an appearance. How were your travels?”

◣━━━━━━━━━━━◢

“Was it their scheming? Was it really?” Eloise questioned.

Sometimes she was contrary just for the sake of it.

“Truly, Mister Coggsworth, in this world of magic, prophecies, gods, you believe it was simply the scheming minds of our parents that paved the way?”

Eloise could very well launch into a history lesson, pointing out the fact that Auradon only existed because of the sacrifice and teamwork of others, that King Adam and Queen Belle marrying was simply one of a number of pieces of the larger puzzle, that there may have been more to it than the often told story revealed, and that simplifying such a thing actually made him incorrect. But there was no need for such a lecture when one skeptical look could convey just as much.

She offered him two, for good measure.

But then, just as she began to walk away, he uttered something so frustrating that she found herself pausing mid-step. She turned back to him with a coldness in her eyes that she reserved only for the harshest of his jabs.

He could try and change the fact that he was stupid by pursuing schooling (she didn’t truly think he was stupid, except for in moments like that of the present), but she could not. And it had nothing to do with her abilities. Her dream was entirely out of her grasp because society demanded it be so. The pain of such a thing was something that Oliver could never understand.

“I no longer wish to converse with you,” she murmured before turning away.

●╭╮╭╮╭╮╭╮╭╮╭╮╭╮●

“It was certainly something of theirs,” Oliver sad with a frustrated little grunt. “Perhaps the Gods had the way planned but without our parents nothing would have lined up properly. I ask you, once again, to not speak to me like I am a simpleton.”

“And please, stop calling me Mister Coggsworth!”

But then, just as soon as he had said it, she was cutting through the crowd in a desperate attempt to get away from him. Really, truly, it was all his fault. He shouldn’t have said such a thing. Perhaps he really was the idiot she claimed him to be.

It wasn’t her fault and it certainly wasn’t fair that she was not able to pursue her dreams. In truth, women not being allowed to attend university wasn’t even something he agreed with. Everyone should be able to pursue their education.

But there Oliver had gone and shoved his foot in his mouth.

“Wait! Eloise!” He chased after her, reaching out to take her wrist. “At least let me apologize before you go. I am aware we exchange quips and words often, but that was low, even for me. Entirely, well, entirely inappropriate to say the least. I should not have spoken down to you in such a manner. Is there anything I can do to show you my apology is sincere?”

༻✦༺ 　༻✧༺　༻✦༺

“The world might be a better place if more people were direct, actually. It’s the tables turning on me that gave me pause. Hypocritical, I am aware,” Sonya insisted, squirming a bit in her seat as she allowed her eyes to travel to the stage.

Might they start soon so she could have a reprieve from a difficult conversation?

She had barely been able to keep herself from reaching over to offer the male a reassuring pat on the hand as she spoke to him. It was ridiculous, truly. One kiss and suddenly her body (certainly not her mind) had decided that small physical signs of affection were in order? No! Sonya therefore needed an immediate distraction before she slipped up and did something that she might somewhat regret yet again.

But after thirty seconds and no movement, she knew that all hope was lost.

“I-” she started, pausing as she worked to string together something properly coherent. Her voice was barely audible when she finally spoke up again. “The faerie magic may have emboldened me, but I did not do anything that I didn’t want to do.”

Such a confession had been weighing on her since she’d realized what she’d done, but now that it was out in the open she wasn’t sure if she felt any better.

“But I realize that doesn’t account for what you may have been feeling, been thinking. And I also realize that this complicates things - the public nature of my actions. My wanting to kiss you. So, what are your thoughts? I must admit that it is a mystery to me how we are meant to proceed.”

—————

Finn sat beside her with baited breath, watching her lips twist as she worked to form the words she wanted. Would it be too terrible if she said she had wanted it? Would they truly be any worse if it turned out their arranged marriage had the brewing of affections underneath it all? Perhaps their marriage had not begun with love but surely that did not mean it could not work its way there!

Suddenly, hope began to blossom in his chest as she spoke. Sonya had not kissed him simply because of the fairy magic. It had only emboldened her to act upon it. Whatever feelings there were, however small, Finn would take this chance and cultivate them the best he could.

“In truth? I don’t much care for public appearances. I know that’s rather silly of me, short sighted even, but we’re already engaged to be married, are we not? As much as the papers enjoyed the kiss, I doubt they will be lingering on it too heavily, especially when there are other things that could be interesting to them in the near future. The season is full of scandals of this nature. We really are not that special.”

Finn paused and chewed on his bottom lip. “Not to say that I do not think you are special. I do. Truthfully and earnestly I think you are perhaps the most...spectacular woman I have ever met. To have you kiss me was nothing short of wonderful.”

Well there it was. His truth. What that meant for them was anyone’s guess.

“I suspect our parents will remain rather cross for us for some time, but as long as we keep to yourselves I think things will be fine. If you wish them to remain as they are, I mean. Or we can do other things. I suppose what I am trying to convey is I would love nothing more than to get to know you as not just my future wife, but as a person with her own merit.”

≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾

A young lady of Princess Emma’s station was not meant to go anywhere without a chaperone. It was a fact that had been ingrained in her mind from almost the moment that she was born - that she should always have someone around just in case to ensure her protection from both evil and ruin alike.

But when one’s chaperone was older and the sun was beaming down on them for hours on end, causing them to grow dizzy and weary of continuing to explore, exceptions could be made.

Emma had spent over an hour convincing the woman to take a break, that no harm would come to her as she did some light shopping among the nearby stalls. It had taken some persistence, but who could really say no to a princess?

With her coin purse in hand, she had just purchased a stunning pendant to offer to her chaperone for her troubles when a hand was in hers and she was shuffled off to a private setting.

Was she being robbed? Kidnapped? Should she throw her coin purse to the side and dash in the other direction?

Had she not instantly recognized the voice of her abductor, she might have done just that. However, as soon as a male’s hands came to rest in front of her face in a more playful manner, Emma knew what had happened.

A myriad of emotions flooded over her just at the sound of Baxter’s voice alone.

Things had been… complicated since they’d been essentially forbidden from continuing their friendship in the manner they previously had, to say the least. Her father had insisted, in no uncertain terms, that she stop so clearly favoring a man who she could not marry. Her protestations that their connection was simply that of a friendship went unacknowledged. Baxter’s name had gone onto the ‘no visits allowed’ list and that was seemingly the end of that.

For her parents.

For Emma, that had all simply been the start of things.

It had not been long at all since the decision had been made, but each day without her dearest friend in her life had been a little more dull than the last. Certainly much more serious. She’d been forced to entertain potential suitor after potential suitor in the parlor of the castle, on a stroll across the grounds, out in public (all with a chaperone, of course). But with each new man, Emma’s silent distress only grew more loud. None of them had the proper qualities to be her match. It was maddening, truly.

She knew her place. She knew she wasn’t meant to complain. But how was she meant to just go on as though a key part of her life - and a platonic one, at that - hadn’t been cut out simply because of the lack of a title? Why were her parents in such a rush to see her settled? And just why did such a decree bother her so very much?

“Baxter,” she murmured once they were properly out of sight from the crowd, keeping her voice low so as to not attract attention. “You do realize that I would know your voice anywhere, do you not?”

Spinning around to take in the male properly, Emma had removed his hands from her eyes as she did so. With her own hands. Which still grasped his now that they were face to face.

“It’s good to see you.”

☆。*。☆。

Baxter beamed the second she recognized him, her words catching him almost by surprise. Would she really recognize him no matter what? Was their friendship that strong, that powerful, that intense? Yes, he supposed, it truly was. Any moment away from Emma had been mercilessly painful: like someone had gone, ripped out his heart, and begun stomping on it like it was a plaything.

It wasn’t fair. None of this was fair.

But seeing her in this moment, it was like the world was flooded with light again and whatever ache there was in his chest immediately ceased as he gazed upon her. Had she always been so beautiful? Had her features always been so soft?

Had he always wanted to touch her so gently?

He tangled their fingers together, unwilling to let this moment of affection go. It had been too long.

“And it is good to see you as well, Princess.” And then Baxter did something utterly mad, taking her hand and pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. Something in his mind must have short circuited. There was simply no logical explanation for the heart palpitations he was feeling at the current moment. 

And yet, looking upon her felt so surreal. Something inside him was stirring in a way he had never experienced before.

There was a brief moment where he even thought about kissing her.

Now that would certainly turn the world upside down, wouldn’t it?

Somehow, Baxter managed to keep propriety about himself, at least some of it, single their fingers were still tangled together in an unacknowledged embrace.

“You are a sight for sore eyes. I apologize if I startled you, I could think of no other way to grab your attention without us being caught. I fear my status, or lack there of, has at last caused trouble with your parents. Tell me, have they made you go gallivanting around with more suitable matches?”

THE HONOURABLE BROMLEY GERARD OF SWAN LAKE IS PROUD TO PRESENT THEIR CHILD, THE HONOURABLE CECIL GERARD, FOR THE UPCOMING SOCIAL SEASON. WE HEAR THEY’RE AMIABLE AND EARNEST, BUT CAN ALSO BE FLIRTATIOUS AND INVULNERABLE. AND IT’S SAID THEY BARE A REMARKABLE RESEMBLANCE TO ELLIOT FLETCHER, BUT THAT’S MERELY A COINCIDENCE. WE’RE SURE THEY’LL CAUSE QUITE A STIR IN THE TON THIS YEAR, BUT ONLY TIME WILL TELL.

name: Cecil Gerard

Age: 24

parents: Bromley

homeland: Swan Lake

gender:  Transman (he/him)

sexuality:  Bisexual

~ ♔ ~

Lark gave Lyra a confused glance. “Don’t all women like shiny things?” Was that not what jewelry was? Shiny ornaments to adorn lovely ladies in society? His brow furrowed, feeling rather out of his element. He felt a little confident when Lyra said she had inherited it, still foolishly thinking that meant all women felt that way. Though he had noticed Gwendolyn was not as flashy as some ladies, but he thought maybe that was because her family chose to be modest? They were of course wealthy enough to not be, but… He really didn’t know anything about this.

“Mother has good taste though… I think? And she does have red hair, like Lady Andersen does. Perhaps I should try to look for things mother would like… If only she was here with us now.” But he suspected she was socializing, soaking up company of friends since their father was regrettably away with the fleet during the beginning of the season. How he wished to trade places with Admiral Andersen right now.

He gave her a rather incredulous look. “Well you are a woman, even if an unconventional one. What good are you to me if you can’t help me find something nice for my wife?” He teased her lightly with the second statement, leaning far enough down to bump his shoulder (kind of) with hers. He was a bit too tall so it was slightly awkward, but it still caused a grin to sprout on his face. It vanished soon after as he attempted to focus. And was quickly replaced with a frown at her words.

“Well… I think a gift is necessary right now. At least, to help with the nerves that persist.” He didn’t want to admit to Lyra that he and Gwendolyn got into silly sort of fights over ridiculous things when alone. Such as who should bathe first, what activities they should do when alone at the festival. Nothing came natural between them.

He didn’t understand how red jewelry could clash with red hair, it hardly made sense to him, but he nodded along to Lyra’s words anyway and looked away from a rather ostentatious ruby pendant necklace. “I think a comb would be a nice gift,” he thought, trying to think if he’d noticed his wife fussing with her hair much. Admittedly, he did not notice much about her. And he felt guilty thinking such a thing. “I think it would mean a lot to her if you extended such goodwill. I’m sure she’s just as nervous to now be a sister as she is to be a wife. Naturally, as she is an only child.”

Lark worried about what Gwendolyn would say if permitted a chance to speak to either his sister or mother alone. Would she talk ill of his manners? Of how he was as a husband? She wasn’t a brat in the way that some of her friends, namely Lady Briar Rose, were so he didn’t think she would, but… Maybe they would catch on that he wasn’t being a good husband. And he didn’t want to be the receiver of their joint ire. “You should speak with her,” he said, despite his thoughts. “I think she could use a friend, or someone privy to the situation giving her support.” He added the last in a low voice, knowing full well she did not explain to her friends what was wrong with their relationship. “I don’t think she’s comfortable speaking with me.” I don’t think she ever will be.

Sighing, he continued looking at the items, eyes wandering to blues because that was a hue he was comfortable with. “Do you think she would like sapphires?” His fingers barely brushed over a silver necklace with a large tear drop shaped blue stone on it. “Or turquoise?” He worried his bottom lip before drifting towards some less… Loud pieces. “Or maybe something smaller? Though… A viscountess is expected to wear bolder pieces, I assume?” His gaze pleaded with Lyra for answers and advice.

╔═══*.·:·.☽✧    ✦    ✧☾.·:·.*═══╗

“Lark, not all women are from our family. As much as mother and I adore shiny things, different women have different tastes. Some women prefer books! As far as mother’s opinion, I think she is much better at determining these things than I am. I, myself, would be fine with any small trinket given in affection. Perhaps your wife would simply appreciate the gesture?” Lyra offered with a soft hum.

He knew things were not simple for either of them. Lark and Lyra were infinitely out of their depth when it came to relationships with women. She smiled when he tried to tease her however and reached out to squeeze his hand.

“Give her something, anything that calms her nerves. She is just as nervous as you are, Lark, I assure you of that, if not more so. She’s just as confused. Newlyweds are often that way. I think.”

She didn’t exactly know for certain, but it was a good enough yes.

Then Lark suggested a comb and Lyra lit up, clapping her hands excitedly. “Yes! yes a comb would be wonderful! Something for her hair, that makes her know you are thinking of her.”

“Speak with her?” she hummed gently, wringing her hands. “I suppose I could do such a thing. I admit I am a little nervous to speak so intimately with her. Sometimes I worry Lady Andersen doesn’t like me very much. I suppose that’s a silly thing to say.”

✘

Ariel, of course this girl whose voice sounded so lovely was the daughter of Ariel. It made sense in a manner that Kartia hadn’t thought of previously and she was kicking herself for it. Though, it was hardly her fault. It wasn’t as if there were regular lessons on all of the families back in the Shadow Realm. They just knew what they knew and learned what they did about those back in Auradon from their parents. Kartia’s parents just hadn’t shared that much about the others to her.

This girl didn’t have much of a filter, that’s what Kartia thought as her eyebrow rose. She had yet to be asked so directly as to whether or not she was from the Shadow Realm, but she supposed it wasn’t a bad thing. At least Lyra was being direct, unlike some who tried to dance around the topic until she finally told them what they wanted to know. Kartia had to appreciate the no bullshit attitude of it all. Plus, it hardly hurt that Lyra started to get so flustered over her own question asked.

“Please, don’t worry about it. I don’t mind saying where I came from, it’s important to who I am.” There was a hint of truth in that, though Kar knew she wouldn’t linger on it long. “I am from the Shadow Realm, yes. Surprised?”

╔═══*.·:·.☽✧    ✦    ✧☾.·:·.*═══╗

Lyra watched Kartia gently, trying not to linger on her facial features. She was beautiful and for a moment she contemplated reaching out to touch her hair. No! No Lyra you cannot just do such a thing you absolute fool. Someone needed to follow her around with water and splash her.

“Not surprised at all.” Lyra blushed brightly. “No, wait. That came out as terrible as it could have. I did not mean it in a bad manner. I mean that there is nothing wrong to be from the Shadow Realm. I think the decree is wonderful, truly. You all deserve the same opportunities that we have.”

It was the truth. In her deepest heart of hearts, she believed that the young Shadow Born people deserved to life lives of freedom, understanding, and opportunity. The Princess was a wonderful woman and Lyra was consistently inspired by her.

“Would you...would you like to walk around for a moment?”

What was she doing?!

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

there was much of auradon that seemed to be a little overwhelming. many of the rules and traditions were different than what adedayo grew up learning. of course, at points they gave classes on what to do if faced with someone from the lands. but really, they never paid much attention in when those lessons. with their father who he was, it seemed like they already knew what to do, instinctively. that, of course, was not true. they were facing such things since they had joined ‘the season’. that very statement still didn’t make sense to them. their aunt and uncles had tried to explain but, still… it was such an odd thing to say.

like a mating season for the animals that lived in the land of their home. yet, it didn’t seem it was so much mating as preening, in preparation to mate. there was much ade to think about when it came to everything. which meant there was very little thought that they had put into the fact that the others from the shadow realm had also been invited to the season. they had not been involved in the season for long but there hadn’t been any run ins that were a cause for concern. of course, they could be fighters that pretended to not be. but they didn’t know for sure. simply prepared if it was indeed the case.

their incredibly light-colored hair, stood out among the people around them. their manner probably did nothing to allow them to blend in either. they imagined it must have been an easy thing for them to be found. for heidi sinclair to be starting a conversation, not really surprising. a smile took over their face for a moment. something friendly and perhaps blinding if a person wasn’t used to it. 

“hello!” they exclaimed easily, remember that there were meant to be manners and perhaps getting so exited wasn’t… a good thing. clearly their throat the stood a little straighter, like many of the others they had seen. “i mean, it is lovely to see you. i’ve been enjoying myself,” the entire statement was wrong on their tongue, but they would be trying. “have you since we have last seen each other?”

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

  .❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。

Adedayo was incredibly kind, far too kind when it was Heidi’s mother who had nearly destroyed their family. Then again, it was also her mother who had aided in saving the day as well. The whole thing was incredibly complicated.

Not that Heidi blamed her mother at all. She did what she had to survive. That’s what she had been taught her entire life: do what you must to survive, do what you must to live. You are the ruler of your life and your must be the winner at all costs.

All cost, except, people she cared about. That was the qualifier that Heidi had added for herself. If someone was dear to her she would not step on them to get ahead.

“I have been well,” Heidi smiled softly. “Relax. There are no expectations with me. Be your most authentic self. What do you really think of everything? It’s so different from the Shadow Realm. I imagine it is different from your home as well.”

when: may 28th, 3rd day of the lantern festival  who: eadric pendragon && li yue @enchantedss​​

eadric knew that perhaps it was, in appropriate, but after the missive he had sent to his mother and the one he got in return, he hoped to talk to yue. if only for a little bit. during the day he had the change to run into calanthe. one of his closest friends. that had eased something he hadn’t known was hurting within him. all of his life, it seemed that he had to make sure he was strong enough to withstand his own family. perhaps he never truly paid attention to the sort of cost it had on him internally. it was such a thing that he knew there would have been a fight with how he had gone about asking to court yue. he knew that. 

still, eadric thought that maybe, there was a small part of him that was still that slip of a boy he had been. the one that hoped for praise. happiness from his parents that he had made a wonderful decision.

a hope that was clearly misplaced. he should have known it would be such a thing.

that’s what found him in search of his raven-haired interest. something told him they would absolutely, punch them for waxing so poetically about them, but that was not going to stop him. at first, he thought that they would be near princess emma, but when he had caught sight of the royal, he had not seen her guardian shadow about. which meant he had to keep looking. it had taken a little bit of time but soon enough, he saw them. they stood out among the people, in such a way that he enjoyed.

smiling softly to himself, he made his way towards yue. “miss li,” he greeted the smile on his face was something closer to shameless than proper. it didn’t stop him from winking in their direction as he stood from the small bow, he offered her in greeting. the sun was dancing upon their dark hair, the sort of way he could get lost in. “i was hoping i would find you walking free… with out a chaperone,” as he stated the last bit, he looked around for the rare chaperone that would dare to follow or cage yue. “unless of course one was brave enough today…”

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

-------------------------------------

Yue was walking around the festival, curious with most of the things that there were. She liked some of the prettier items though they knew how impractical it was to have one. Her life was too busy, too rough for such things. 

Soon there would be a wedding to plan however, and in that moment she wondered how it might be. Would they get the chance to dress like a princess? Should she dress more in Chinese fashion to honor her heritage or should they go for more practical? The whole thing was so much to think about, to take in, to wonder.

But at the same time it was thrilling to ponder. One day she would walk down the isle and kiss that man senseless. How soft would his lips be?

Yue shook her head, trying to keep from pondering these questions too hard. She was smitten, utterly and thoroughly in love.

How embarrassing.

And then he was approaching and her cheeks turned red! Goodness he would never know how much they thought of of him even when he wasn’t present. Their heart beat a little too fast as they gazed upon him.

“A chaperone?” They smiled, “I dare to see someone willing enough,” they teased. “Besides I see a perfectly fine gentleman in front of me to do the chaperoning.” 

❧︵┈𝖊𝖑𝖆𝖎𝖓𝖆 𝖑𝖚𝖒𝖎𝖊𝖗𝖊┈︵❧

she gave him a sympathetic nod, knowing that matters of the heart couldn’t be forced, which is what she truly believed the issue to be. knowing both of them well enough she figured there would be no issue to discuss at the moment if only it had been their choice to unite their families.

something about forcing things always seemed to have this effect, but as she felt strongly about the importance of his happiness, she had long since decided she hated the arrangement herself, on principal, of course.

you may find someone else yet,” she added, nodding with a soft smile as nimble fingers adjusted her gown to reclaim her seat, carefully selecting from the number of cookies and tea cakes she had provided for his visit, selecting the ones she liked best and offering them to him.

the season is still early, and you never know who you might meet. i would hardly stand in your way, in fact. i would be among your loudest supporters if you found someone who made you truly happy.” taking a few plain sugar cookies with flowers delicate pressed into the golden tops she took a small bite before dunking it in her tea.

she gave him a sisterly smile, wishing she could do more to easy his troubled mind. “forgive me for not being able to offer better council.” it was truly the best she could do to be there for him, to offer an ear and fresh sweets and hope he found some comfort in her presence. lucky her family had no expectations. lucky that her father was pleased to bequeath her a large fortune of her own if she became a spinster. “is there anything i can do?”

●╭╮╭╮╭╮╭╮╭╮╭╮╭╮●

Oliver relaxed a little more, relieved by at least being able to get the feeling off his chest. The whole thing was building up by the minute and it grew harder and harder to keep himself calm when speaking to Eloise. Sure, maybe she was pretty, very pretty. Exceptionally pretty. But pretty didn’t mean much when you had a bad attitude attached to it.

“I am unsure I want to find anyone,” he admitted after a moment. “The whole things silly. I know I find women beautiful but the thought of actually being with one of them forever? It seems impossible. The only woman who’s companionship I desire is yours and that is because you are practically my sister!”

Oliver shook his head, gently squeezing her hand for a moment. “I respect you and your council more than anything else in this world, Elaina. You are my closest friend, my biggest confidant. Without you I am sure I would have gone completely off my rocker by now.”

“I’m worried I’ve taken all your time. I should be polite and ask how your time how been treating you? Are there a million men I will have to put through the ringer and beat off a stick to ensure that they are worthy of your hand and attentions?”

❧︵┈𝖗𝖆𝖕𝖍𝖆𝖊𝖑 𝖋𝖗𝖔𝖑𝖑𝖔┈︵❧

and here was the crux of his own failings. this innocent young girl who knew nothing of the world at large but had been thrust into it. something about her had captured his attention in a very platonic way. paternal almost, as he strolled along beside her, making sure his eyes stayed fixed on those around him, a stern glare shot at any who might approach. 

he never trusted the intentions of these outsides. these royal and free-born people who smiled so easily. who knew so little of darkness and gorged themselves on prejudiced superiority.  they might approach hoping to make a new friend. or they were approaching out of morbid curiosity. whatever the case, he was her buffer. nothing would slip past him. 

“it is…” he winced a bit as he looked at the jewelry. he never pretended to know or care about pretty things, but seeing the joy on her face he weakened. “pretty.” he finished. knowing that looking was about all they could afford. something like that would take several shares of their so called ‘allowance’. 

looking about he gave another internal sigh, before offering her a slight smile, softer than the one that would usually mark his features. “it is different.” he agreed. “and there is…more variety.” his mind struggled to come up with nice things to say about the extravagant show of wealth around them. how wasteful of them. “did you wish to look at the stalls all afternoon? or is there something else you might wish to view as well?” 

◤─────•~❉᯽❉~•─────◥

“Everything is so beautiful here,” Cosette said softly. There was a lot of envy in the way she said it though, and anger bubbled underneath the surface. It wasn’t fair. It just wasn’t. Why were they given so little when they had done nothing wrong. Not a thing. They did their best to survive, to make it in life, and they were given pennies and expected to succeed during the season? It was absurd. “Except, perhaps, the people.”

She had yet to come across anyone that had piqued her interest at all. Most of them were all so enthralled by their own lives, their own business, their own existence. They hardly thought about anything further than the tip of their nose.

But not her. Not Cosette. She had plans, hopeful, beautiful, wonderful plans. She would be something important some day. Someone that the world would look to and be proud of how far she had clawed herself up from the ground.

She would lie, steal, and kill anyone who got in her way.

“I’m happy with just a walk. But what of you? Is there anything you wish to see?”

⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂⁎⁂

Baxter sat near her, and Silver attempted to strain her neck to better see whatever it was that he had written on his lantern. But she was too far to find out naturally. “If that is the saying, then I do not understand it. How is anyone supposed to help you achieve your dreams if you do not tell them?” Moving down to lie in the plush grass, the fae took a deep breath and watched the lanterns rise above them.

“My wishes are not something the lanterns can help. They are things I must achieve on my own. But I will lie here and watch. It reminds me of home. Of the fae in Pixie Hollow heading to the Pixie dust tree.” It was comforting, and perhaps the first time since coming here that Silver had felt a sense of home… well, she did feel that at the Faerie Bacchanal as well, but that memory now felt bitter in her mouth.

“Have you been enjoying the festival? I hear there shall be some kind of boat race tomorrow. Will you be participating?”

☆。*。☆。

“I wished....” Baxter took a deep breath and contemplated his next move. How should he approach this? He was worried the next few things out of his mouth would result in an argument, or at least a misunderstanding, but there was no one else he trusted more than Silver. “I wished that things between Emma and I would get sorted in a positive manner. I may have....panicked and asked if we could....possibly begin courtship in secret.”

Even just saying it was embarrassing enough for him. The whole thing was absurd! Him, Baxter Pan-Darling, swooning over the Princess of all people. They were friends, some of the best, and now he really wanted to try and ruin it. And for what? Feelings?

Disgusting.

◣━━━━━━━━━━━◢

“If scheming upsets them, then perhaps it’s time for a ceasefire on their end as well,” Eloise pointed out, her tone light as she sidestepped a chalk-coated child.

Unfortunately, there were quite a few festival events that were of great interest to the young Miss Potts - the art gallery and chalk walk, to be sure, but the parade most of all for the stunning display of history and culture alone. Perhaps it was unique that Eloise was approaching the celebrations as a learning opportunity, but she had never been one to turn down a history lesson. How could one look to the future without an understanding of the past?

She did not feel that she could enjoy herself in the presence of a person so keen on proving his (false) superior intellect.

On the matter of her intelligence, however, she said nothing. After a lifetime of back and forth between herself and Oliver, she knew when she was being baited. Just a few years older than her, he had tormented her year after year with tales of his studies, the societal expectation that he should better himself academically simply because he was male grating on her more and more with each passing moment.

Eventually, Eloise knew that she would get to a point where she had exhausted all of the books at her disposal. It would be a miserable realization. If Oliver was still in her life when that day arrived, her misery would increase tenfold.

Perhaps the first step in avoiding such a thing was simply separating themselves.

“Do you fear you are not smart or clever enough? Perhaps that should be the wish you release to the sky during the lantern ceremony. I, of course, do not need to wish for such a thing.”

●╭╮╭╮╭╮╭╮╭╮╭╮╭╮●

Oliver was, for his part, impressed that she did not take the bait. Usually they would be at it for hours at a time if one of them had a well placed jab. Perhaps it was the jovial atmosphere of the festival that left them a little more friendly towards each other.

Only slightly.

“Their scheming gave us the King and Queen if you will take a moment to remember correctly. It’s thanks to them we even have anything that we do now. So perhaps their record winning accomplishments has made them believe they’re so nice they can do it twice. Perhaps they should have set up that sort of business instead of running homes for the children of Villains.”

He thought for a moment, realizing he hadn’t thought to ask Eloise her opinion on the matter. Did he even want to hear it?

While Oliver would never admit it, he did actually like to hear what she had to say. She had a brilliant mind. Not as brilliant as his but still something special.

“Will you be wishing that you can go to college? Maybe the paper lantern will actually listen to you.” It was a low blow, perhaps too low, but she had insulted his intelligence which was not something he took kindly too.

✧

“And yet – “ Dex gestured towards her. He wasn’t being fair – he knew that. He just didn’t care. Cosette had to know him well enough to know that he wasn’t the warm and fuzzy type by any means. Thus, if she was still going to be around him, well, it came with the territory. He noticed the way her eyes lingered on the cigarette and, for just a moment, he considered offering it out to her. Perhaps he would even taunt her with it, push her until she gave in and tried something bad. That would be delightful, watching someone crumble under the pressure to do something wrong. Cosette was like him – the child of a villain – and yet she seemed compelled to fit in here, to act like they acted.

His hand raised then, palm facing her. “I’m going to go ahead and cut this questioning off before we get too deep into the list of people you want to find. I haven’t seen anyone other than yourself and, quite frankly, I am content in keeping it that way.” Though, he supposed that wasn’t entirely true. Running into the girl’s brother wouldn’t be the most terrible thing in the world. If nothing else, eye candy would be supplied, but he wasn’t hard up by any means. If it came, it came. If not, he would live.

A soft groan passed through his lips as Dex looked over at the girl. There it was, the real question she had probably be aching to ask this entire time – why wasn’t he actually participating in this godawful display. “Enjoying the festival? Is that what we are supposed to do here? I thought we were just brought along because we couldn’t be left on our own.”

Not caring anymore whether or not it bothered her, Dex reached up for his cigarette again, not hesitating for a moment before lighting it up and placing it between his lips. “I’m not really the enjoying type, babe. Doesn’t matter where the festival is being held. I have no interest in fitting in around here – not like this.”

◤─────•~❉᯽❉~•─────◥

“What do you want to do then?” Cosette asked with a raised brow. She walked up closer to him and stared out at what he was looking at. “Be upset? Go back to the Shadow Realm? I’d rather die than go back there.”

And she wouldn’t. Not ever. She would find herself a husband, a wife: anyone that would get her out of there forever. If she married one of them there was not chance that people could possibly send her away even if the decree was overturned. It wouldn’t be fair.

That’s what she was counting on anyway.

“Come now, won’t you come enjoy it with me? It might do you some good to go about and have some fun, or be seen with a lady of any kind. Are you at least going to wish at the lantern festival?”

Maybe she was too young, too naive, too frivolous to be a villain’s daughter. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he called her that. But she was only eighteen and there was so much of the world she wanted to see, to uncover, to be part of. Even if this was a celebration for Rapunzel, well, where was the harm in enjoying herself even just a little bit?

It had felt like months since he’d been in favorable company, though in reality it hadn’t even been a fortnight. Lark’s time away at honeymoon was uncomfortable, to say the least, and felt longer than most voyages he’d been on. But now he was there, among the flock gathering for the Countess’s birthday, in the city of Corona under a blistering white sun. He didn’t care for the company of many that day, not even the woman who had been his wife these couple weeks now. No, he hadn’t desired to be with just anyone — and so he spent his time idling by in the presence of his most dearest younger sister. They had been apart for long lengths of time before — Naturally, she hadn’t gone with Lark when he had been away with the navy. That being said, it had been a disagreeable time apart those nearly two weeks and so the sailor had been glad to be near his sister once again. Lazily walking by, eying things that held little interest to him. He felt calm in the silence that had enveloped them, finding himself uninterested in conversation. What would they speak of? His honeymoon? Marriage? The time apart? He would give himself away too easily and ruin the facade. So Lark said nothing of the sort; he simply stayed quiet and dutifully followed Lyra around.

He wasn’t the type to ask such questions to. Lark didn’t understand jewelry or the nuances of women’s fashion. Or just fashion altogether — in most cases he wore some form of his naval uniform when out and about. Now, wearing gentlemen’s clothes and a knotted cravat, he felt lost and unlike himself. Almost as though he lost his identity. “I think if you find one you like, then you should purchase,” he said simply, unsure of what else to say. With his hands clasped behind his back he circled the booth in question, eyeing some cuff links. Surely he would need some new ones, now that he was a married gentleman of the ton. “We should have brought mother along — she knows far better than me,” he said with a humored smile. He had not seen his mother since his separate arrival to Westerlyshire with his Lady Andersen. Lady Tirulia would ask too many questions, some a little invasive, in order to surmise if her son had been a proper gentleman with his wife. About whether or not a grand child would be in the imminent future.

Lyra’s suggestion caught him off guard, and Lark’s eyes shifted towards the women’s jewelry. He had no idea if he should or shouldn’t buy Gwendolyn something from there. What was the proper decorum for young lovers? Should he shower her in gifts and affection, the latter which he persisted to withhold? Or should he not attempt to find something for her, lest he choose an item she did not personally like that would collect dust in a box than adorn her neck or fingers at events and in the public eye? Lark felt the familiar prick of anxiety which accompanied thoughts of Gwendolyn and how to conduct their arrangement, and he contemplated Lyra’s question over whether such an act was too soon anyway. It had only been a couple weeks, after all.

He sighed quietly and closed his eyes momentarily. This wasn’t about how others thought, he amended. What would you do, if you were truly in love? His gaze flickered open, walking close to Lyra as he let his eyes wander over the items for sale. “I would shower my Lady Andersen with trinkets and gifts,” he said softly. If I were truly in love with her. He hadn’t said that part out loud, though it was true. If he’d really adored and desired Gwendolyn as he was presenting himself to, then he would find her something special, something that simply reminded him of her, and present such things whenever the moment arose. So he looked over the pendants and rings and bangles, not because he cared exactly but because he needed people to believe he did.

His eyes always flowed to blues and cyan, shades of the vast, torrential sea he loved. But that didn’t fit Gwendolyn, at least he wasn’t sure it did. He barely knew the girl, and it required some concentration to decipher what she would even like. What stone was on her wedding ring? A ring he should have known so well and yet… “I believe she favors… Reds, I think?” He said after a moment, looking at Lyra as if she would know his wife’s taste better than he. Hell, she just might. “She has red hair, so I assume that color but… I’m afraid I don’t know the rules of these things. How does a lady even determine what jewelry she wears?” He thought on her original question to him. “Should it match the wardrobe?”

“Mother only likes shiny things,” Lyra teased, smiling brightly as she eyed a necklace that caught her attention. It reminded her of the ocean, the sea, the beautiful glimmering water she so adored. “But I think that is, unfortunately, a family trait that I inherited.”

She could tell that her brother was uncomfortable, awkward, and a little off kilter. It wasn’t a surprise really. He had gone on a honeymoon with a woman he had not even wanted to marry. This whole thing made her angry.

And sad. So very sad. Her dearest brother deserved so much better than to have to marry someone who he didn’t love. Lyra’s heart ached for Lark.

“You as me what a woman should wear? Lark you know me far better than that. I wear what I think is pretty and care little for the decorum of what else there is.” She laughed gently and reached out, touching his shoulder gently. Dusting off something from his shoulder she gave him a soft smile and a gentle squeeze. “Take a deep breath, won’t you? It’s rather strange to see you the anxious mess and me the one put together. It’s hardly fair.”

“What I will tell you is that red often clashes with red hair, however I think red jewelry would look rather lovely with the Lady. Oh perhaps I should purchase her a comb? Something to welcome her to the family from me? We haven’t really had a moment to speak since you returned.”

WHEN: MAY 28, THIRD DAY OF CORONAN LANTERN FESTIVAL  WHO: SILVERBELL OF NEVERLAND AND BAXTER PAN DARLING

Silverbell sat on a higher vantage point within the town of Old Corona, watching as others lit off lanterns that held their dreams. She wasn;t one to mock magic or ceremony, but Silver couldn’t help but wonder just how many of these people actually saw their dreams realized within the upcoming year. Silver knew one thing, any dreams she had when coming to Auradon City felt as if they were diminished. 

A rut, is what she was in. Her prince was not speaking to her, and if he did it was harsh words or flippant remarks. It seemed the other fae had disappeared to the winds, and she feared perhaps the others were choosing sides. And when Silver did not have the fae, who did she have? One person came to mind, and soon Silver was wandering through the city in search of him

After years together, it was not hard to find where Baxter might be spending his time within the city. The perfect place to light and send off his own lantern. “And what did you dream of?” Silver asked, coming to stand in front of him. “If you do not share it, I doubt it’ll ever be realized.” @enchantedss​

☆。*。☆。

Baxter was sitting by the river, watching as the lanterns floated high above the world. He had written a little note on his own and was just about to release it into the sky when he heard Silverbell’s voice. He smiled softly and turned towards her. 

“I thought the saying was that if you did share it, it would never come true,” he teased gently. “As far as what I wished for, well, I’m not sure you would entirely like to know.”

He grimaced at the message. I wish for happiness between Emma and I. Whatever their future was, it was uncertain, but he hoped it was something they could walk together. Should he discuss things with his dearest friend? He knew she did not love humans (he was an exception to a rule).

“And what of you? Have you made a wish?”