once more with feeling

❧︵┈𝖗𝖆𝖕𝖍𝖆𝖊𝖑 𝖋𝖗𝖔𝖑𝖑𝖔┈︵❧

“a common enough mistake,” he mused as he watched her, the madness lurking behind his gaze, always ready and willing to be set free. “darkness always seeks hope, little dove. its where wickedness goes to feed.” he had none of his own, the good lord had damned him and his family long ago, his fathers own madness was mere proof of the fact. that it had been contagious. had spread slowly like an all consuming, inevitable disease sinking below his skin and eating at him until he fell to it, that was the sign the lord and his blessings had abandoned the name frollo to rot.

“i am no more vexed by your tendency towards hope than i am by my own desire to taste it.” in fact, what he truly found vexing was the penetrating gaze of violet that she held him trapped in. and how his desire to taste, was hardly limited to her hope. his own body be damned to the hell he deserved to writhe in, even now betraying him. “god above be praised, let us never loose the smirk,” he teased, the lilt of his tone colored by amusement. “how lost we would be then.” 

he hummed in thought, his mind searching through faces and names he cared little to remember even from among his own. raphael took little pleasure in having acquaintances and the few he did have he protected with all the savage jealousy a man could possess. to his number, a healer, a young girl who needed all the protecting her own kin failed to provide in society, a lefou and the enchanting creature before him. but he placed to the name a face that drew a frown, those innocent features hiding a darkness more forsaken than his own. 

“i don’t rightfully know that i have any sense of this faerilyth but i know i won’t be letting you get up to no good alone. so you better start formulating a plan, dove. i can’t rightfully help with no roadmap now can i?” 

his fingers flexed of their own accord as she leaned closer. he wasn’t one others often approached and this closeness was the exact sort of thing he avoided like rot and decay, it only led to impulses and those were so very often his own downfall. he would pay his pound of flesh for the way he was eyeing her at this distance. crestline blue dipping to the design of her bodice before slowly making their way back to that enchanting purple. “your goals are my own, my lady.” he breathed, a smirk slowly forming as he captured her hand, kissing the back of it. “use me as you see fit.” 

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

Melinoe gave a nod of understanding. Perhaps hope was something everyone from the Shadow Realm understood. Yearned for. It was what kept them all going, day after day. Hope that things would change. Hope that they’d one day be free. Hope that the people of Auradon would get what they deserved. As he mentioned his god, the beauty gave a deep, humorous chuckle. “Gods, you mean. For I suspect it’s not your God that should be praised.”

But the joyous laugh was quickly replaced by a look of stun. Shock. Her brows crumpled as she took in his words. “Had you been living under a rock during our decades in the mirror world?” She wondered, although perhaps if anyone were to be so far removed they were unaware who Faerilyth or her lackeys were, it would be Raphael. With a flick of her wrist, she conjured a vision of Faerilyth walking towards them. It was something only she and the man next to her could see, but she knew it felt real to him. “She is the daughter of Maleficent and Chernabog. More powerful then anyone else in the realm, I am sure of it. And I am confident she has something up her sleeve.” Mel conjured the rest of her group to stand along side her. “And the rest work with her... for her? I am not certain.”

A second flick of the wrist and the illusion dissipated. “Perhaps I will try to make her acquaintance at the ball. Officially, that is. We have not spoken much in the past, but I suspect she is plotting something. Whatever it is I want to be in on it.” Looking back at Raphael, she gave him a smile. “And that way, if it does not work out in our favor, I can plan counter strategy. A back up plan. Cozy up to the other noblemen and women of Auradon. After all, if my plans to kill Zeus and release my father so he can take up the open seat as King of the Gods is to come true, I shall need plenty of powerful people in my corner.”

She had not told many this plan yet, save Cyra, but as she looked at Raphael, she was confident she could use him. If not for a pawn, then for protection. And as he leaned in, his lips kissing the back of her hand and his words taking a rather scandalous tone, she found herself even more assured. Albeit, stunned. That was the only way to explain the rather blunt statement that came next.

of course, he was correct. she was not meant to do such things but, she couldn’t find herself willing to stop. not in the moment. especially, while she had the thrill of hearing her name that he used for her after so long. like a spider stretching, she shrugged her shoulders in a barely their acknowledgement of his concern, bringing her finger back to take the last of the tasty and licking that away too. soon enough, both her wrist and her finger was clean before she turned her eyes to her ani again.

sighing with what was nearly a pout, she looked to the people that weren’t touched by the shade of the tree. “i tire of this, ani,” she whispered softly, the wind wouldn’t even be able to pick it up for another to hear. only him. she was bored, but perhaps not in the sense that others would use the term. it wasn’t the festival that bored her, it was deeper than that. wider than that. she was bored to the point of vexed with the very essence of humanity.

the only thing that seemed to soothe her was the sweet sounds of heartbeats that she knew she could end. if she wished. oh, how she wished. she wished for a river of blood. but it was meant to come with time. it had better come with time. princess skinned rug. wall mounted king. tastefully displayed queen. those were things she wanted. to fill a manor with lords and ladies of all kinds. each of them more grotesque than the next. the very thought sent a shiver of pleasure up her spine. oh, she wanted.

“i do hope that lyth has entertaining ideas,” was added as she pulled her eyes from people watching. imagining plucking them apart, piece by piece. it seemed as if she only imagined horrors and didn’t get to see them to fruition. instead, she was to taunted by a growing hunger that did not seem to ebb, only grow. “i grow weary of this place.”

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣

He kept his distance, closed his eyes as she brought her fingers back towards her mouth. He didn’t need to watch this. He couldn’t.

Nik brought a hand up to run through his hair, and he decided although he and Mercy were close to each other, he would look everywhere but her. Especially now, as she complained about their current predicament. Voicing everything he too was feeling. He was tired of playing the perfect gentleman. He wanted to tear someones heart out and watch the fear in their eyes before they died. He wanted secrets spilled and promises made. Something that was even remotely entertaining, because this game had grown dull.

“As do I, but my sister has a plan. We know this, and when we help her complete her goals, it will be worth it in the end. To watch the world descend into chaos.” Its what he told himself a night, when he was lying in the dark and thinking over everything he and Mercy had not been told by his sister. Whenever they were huddled together in the boarding house and he noticed Fae was telling them only what they needed to know.

They had to trust her.

Looking at Mercy once more, Nik knew the sudden urges he was feeling were not going to brothel. He was certain there had to be one in this town, hidden in a back alley or down a street that never seemed to be granted daylight.

She and Lady Astrid had parted ways some time ago, her friend making conversation with some old family friend or relation, and it left Rose to her lonesome. She did not mind being by herself, of course every time she spotted a bit of gossip she wished there was someone she could speak to about it. But she just told herself it would all be stories she could tell to Astrid on the way back to the city in the morning.

Until she saw a blur of red hair and Rose found herself relieved her confidant had found her way back to her. Taking a small sip of her lemonade, Rose made her way next to her friend and spoke. “You would not believe what I witness while you were away. Mr. Driskel returned to the ballroom with his collar in a disarray, his hair much more mussed than it was earlier. And mere seconds later, in crept Miss. Abigail White. There was a slight bruise to her lips, and I swear she was readjusting her gloves. I will be neither shocked nor surprised if we’re to hear of an engagement between the two within the next month.” After the gossip had been shared, Rose turned to her friend only to find it was not Astrid. No, instead it was some gossiping mother who seemed scandalized to learn all of what Rose had just disclosed. 

Childish mistake, she scolded herself. The woman did have the same shade of hair that Astrid did, as well as a similar style, so it was not a surprise that Rose mistaken the two. But now that she was nearby the woman, she wondered how she could’ve made such a mistake. What with her being much shorter than Astrid, and her dress a completely different shade. Before she could even apologize for her words, the woman was scuttering off and Rose was suddenly at a loss of what to do. Hopefully, she would not be stated as the source for gossip. 

Catching the eye of a neighboring man, Rose let out a deep breath. “Do you suspect she’ll share that with anyone?” @talesnbone

she was soft as she reached to help right the little one. her wrist carefully grazing the little cut that had formed from her fall. she let ani do the talking. he could soothe them in whatever way he wished but she added to it with a small smile while she brushed a hair behind the little girl’s ear. exuding as much calm and kindness she could. truly, what a pretty little thing. she wondered, if she would taste pretty? mm, she could imagine she would. every move was timid and soft with the small human. making sure her mother had her in hand. careful to keep the smear of blood perfect on her wrist, just far enough away from the cuff of her dress and the edge of her gloves.

the words ani provided seemed to soothe the women and little one as they did their best to head away. perhaps to that ice cream he had mentioned? it took all there was in her to not curl her lip at the thought. disgusting.

she too, dusted herself off slightly before turning to go back to their shadow and tree. for the moment, no matter how brief, it was theirs. she was slowly removing the glove from the hand that didn’t hold her precious bit of crimson but paused the moment ani spoke. crow. it seemed as if it had been forever since he had called her such a thing. a shock of pleasure struck through her as she looked to him while a pleased hum rumbled in her chest at his words. she was his crow. he was her ani.

“i’ve gotten very good,” she responded as her smile grew a little and the glove fully came off.

delicately, she swiped at the smear, taking the edge of it and looking to it. she simply eyed it for a moment before bringing the finger to her mouth, allowing the small taste of it to dance across her tongue. oh, she did taste pretty. without thought, she opened her eyes, having not noticed she closed them in delight and offered the rest of what was on her wrist for ani to taste. “you must try her. she tastes…,” she paused while thinking of the word. “like spring should taste.”

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣

Nik turned away from Mercy for a moment, to watch the mother and daughter clear the streets. Make sure they got far away, and also make sure they did not inform the city guard of the shadow borne that had just helped them to their feet. He was relatively confident that they had not set off any alarms, but you could never be too sure. He could tell some people still didn’t trust them fully, and he wanted to make sure neither he nor Mercedes had given anything away.

All seemed good, in fact, many of the residents resumed their previous behavior. Of course, now they were gossiping about the two that just fainted, and were commenting about how dreadfully hot it was outside, but no mentions of either he or Mercy. No side eyes.

With a small smirk to himself, he turned back to his partner, and found himself rooted in spot.

He wasn’t sure when her glove had come off, but something about the dainty fingers (that he knew could tear flesh from bones) made his back stiffen. And as they swiped at the blood, brough it to her mouth to taste the crimson liquid, Nik found his cravat incredibly too tight. The hands that were held behind his back were suddenly clenched so tightly he feared his own gloves might tear at the seams. 

Mouth parting slightly, he watched as she stretched out her wrist for him to taste, and it took every ounce of self-control he had within him to keep from moving forward and indulging in the invitation. But he couldn’t. One, they were in public, and that would be far too intimate behavior for even a married couple, let alone two singles. Two... he wasn’t sure how his body would react if he allowed such a simple form of contact. Something he had craved when it came to Mercy for a while now. But he did not know how she would react. Did not know if she’d share the same urges. And he would rather silently suffer for the rest of his life then speak up and find she did not return such urges. He could not handle that. Would not think about it. So instead of moving forward, he stepped backwards, his chin raising slightly.

while her body sought solace in the shade of the trees, her eyes continued to look over the people. there was much about herself that she was learning in the world of auradon. her distaste so for sun, had not be previously known. her near revulsion to the food and common place things. how a rage seemed to simmer in her blood that has been growing over time. all of these things danced around the mausoleum of her mind. it fueled her ever present need to lash out. but the few steps she had taken towards ani, had continued to soothe her.

the way he spoke, first in distaste only to move into something conspiratorially, was a well-practiced dance between them. she knew he would wish for things just like she did. a small sort of smile pulled at the corner of her lips. the kind that was only meant for him. so, he could feel it. “of course,” she murmured lowly before focusing back on who she had been looking at.

it started with the sound of heartbeats, always a little louder than blood flowing. no, not sound, feeling of. first, she could feel ani’s. steady. calm. before she moved her focus to the humans she had been looking at. their blood flowing faster, excitement as the little girl and mother giggled. oh, how happy they looked. it would be a shame…. it barely took a second of thought. her magic quick like lightning but softer than a spider’s web. latched onto the very blood in their veins and for a moment… simply… stopped it. her focus had turned away before they could even feel the different. but she knew, their bodies would lock up. crumble to the floor in a heap.

it took that sound of surprise to sound before she looked back. “oh, no,” she exclaimed a little louder as she moved away from ani towards the two forms on the ground. the poor dears. “we need to help them,” she urged like she always wanted to help people. a lie if there ever was one. instead, her attention drawn to how the little girl had skinned her leg and the blood, well, it sluggishly began to flow again. if only she could have a taste….

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣

He had to suppress a smile as he watched the two crumple before him. He knew how satisfying that must have been, for Mercy to use her gifts and watch them tumble. Almost as satisfying as it was for him to witness he, he suspected. But he was not allowed to laugh at such an act, not when they had their own act to keep up. So with as much shock and concern as he could muster, the demon moved forward towards the mother and daughter duo quickly. 

“Perhaps it was the heat...” He said loudly enough, in hopes of swaying the publics thoughts towards something more realistic and mundane as opposed to something sinister. “It is a terribly hot day.” He explained, looking at a neighboring gentleman before leaning down to help the mother that had fainted. His eyes caught Mercy’s movement, noticed what she was captivated by.

Do nothing suspicious. He thought, wishing the words could seep into her own mind.

As the pair came to, flushed and blabbering apologies, Nik gave the mother a warm smile and helped her to her feet. “Do not apologize Ma’am. Just be sure to take your little one and get some shade. I believe I saw an ice cream shop nearby, I believe the cold treat is just what you two need.” He saw some heads nodding in agreement, including that of the woman he was speaking to. As she grabbed her daughters hand and began to walk away, the crowd also began to disperse. Catching Mercy’s eye, he sent her a knowing smirk as he dusted himself off and moved back to his spot under the tree. 

❧︵┈𝖊𝖑𝖆𝖎𝖓𝖆 𝖑𝖚𝖒𝖎𝖊𝖗𝖊┈︵❧

she could feel the blush at the response, feeling somehow that she was being chastised for breaking the woman’s peace, and while she had accepted her company, albeit with more bite than anticipated, elaina wasn’t in a position to retreat. so, stealing what little courage she possessed she forced her smile to be brighter, more welcoming as she settled herself, feeling all the while like a child once more, scolded for sneaking sweets before supper or ruining her mama’s floral arrangements. 

“yes, well…” her words failing her she sought to quickly recover the situation, and figured the truth while exposing her as a creature of habit, was her best chance. “i almost always sit in about this spot for the regatta. i know it incredibly well, so when it starts to get later in the day i have an easier go of getting back from the shores.” that didn’t help with her suddenly feeling like a child, but at least it would excuse her apparent rudeness. 

caught by the question her head lifted, and she looked out towards the water. “well…its a race primarily.” she offered. “which would be rather boring and straightforward i think if they all played by the rules. the ruffians always seem to find a way to rig the event in their favor. one year they had a racing sale so large you could hardly see their boat!” 

clearing her throat she blushed once more, crimson spreading down her neck at her own chattiness. this was certainly not the way to go about making this woman her friend. and she decided now that they were seated near one another that she might like to be friends with her if only to see what she was like when she let her guard down. 

“i saw you once, back home. and i do see you around from time to time, miss. melinoe. you always wear the most beautiful things.” she’d had dresses made in the same tones of blush and blue for song long she had nearly forgotten there were other colors. “it always made me curious, and i’m happy to meet you finally.” 

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

Melinoe’s head cocked slightly at the bit of information she gleamed from the woman. Information that was limited and had her interested in learning more. “Getting back from the shores? Are you so unfamiliar with the city that you find yourself getting lost easily?” She questioned. Did this event not take place annually? Wouldn’t Miss Elaina know her way back to her quarters by now?

At the example given of how the supposed ruffians gained their advantage in the race, Melinoe chuckled slightly as she rolled her eyes. Oh, how she wished this girl could see what her companions would do to earn their favor in such an activity. She could bet one crew would find their boat tampered with, easily taking on water mere minutes into the race. Another, perhaps, would lose one or two rowers to those under the water. A large sail? How... pathetic. “I am curious to see what they come up with this year, then.” She murmured, knowing calling the crew pathetic would not seem the most becoming statement.

Watching the blush spread across Elaina’s skin, Melinoe wondered what it was she was attempting to achieve. Did this woman want something from her? She wanted to tell her to spit it out. Just ask what you want and be on with it. But that was not how things were done. There was a conversation to be held. So, she simple smiled at the compliment, and tried her best to keep the conversation flowing. If only so her own intrigue would be answered.

❧︵┈𝖗𝖆𝖕𝖍𝖆𝖊𝖑 𝖋𝖗𝖔𝖑𝖑𝖔┈︵❧

he stifled a hiss at the touch of her hand against his chest, even through layers of fabric her touch held affect. this simple thing, freely given affection, striking him to the marrow in his bones and setting them on fire. what a foul thing he was. to harbor such impure impulses towards this beautiful creature. 

it was an effort worthy of samson himself that he managed to pull his wits together, eyes following in her wake eyes tracing the lines of her figure for a moment before he sneered to himself, back straitening as he followed after, opting to stand guard as she settled herself. “you’re freedom of thought and the hope that drives you forward.” he offered, odd answers. but his, nevertheless. “and that little smirk you get when you’re up to no good, naturally.” 

he sighed, long and low as she spoke, his eyes glaring up at the lanterns in the darkened sky as they drifted further away. a frivolous tradition for a frivolous society. “i don’t suspect they believe there to be anything to forgive, dove. or that we might be anything but grateful that our oh so merciful princess would see fit to free the things that go bump in the night from their horrible plight.” he scoffed glaring hardening with his own thoughts. 

“they who have known naught but peace do not realize that all stories are penned by the victors. look at some of the children among our number. what sin did they commit? what transgression against the crown other than to breathe and be born? we are to bear the weight of our fathers and mothers alleged sins, and be grateful that one royal out of a million due some misguided justice or sense of obligation took pity on us and set us free.” 

he was not wholly without feeling, not an automaton. true he was rarely within his sane mind, though he had tempered himself as harshly and often as possible to avoid his true eventual fate, but it was the tangible weight. the burden that should not be her boulder to push ever up the mountain side that finally had him kneeling beside her. 

“then dream, little dove. dream of your justice and how you might bring it about,” his eyes searched her face for a moment before offering a half smile and incline of his head. “and then wake up and share your daydreams so we might make them a reality. all of us deserve better than this.” 

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

It was the latter of the two that Melinoe had expected as his response, but not the former. “I am rather shocked home as my driving force is something you would miss. In fact, had I been asked what I suspect you found most vexing about me, I would have suspect it be that.” Raph did not seem like one to hope, not in the way that she did. And so, she had always figured it was a trait of hers that he would look over. “The smirk, however... well I suspect you shall be seeing that more often.” She had plans. Ideas. Things she wanted to achieve in Auradon and some of those plans required her to get up to no good.

Letting her own gaze watch the lanterns above, she sighed at his words. She knew there was truth in them. Knew that these people were so concerned about their lives and their truths that they would believe whatever makes them sleep easier. That she and her companions should be grateful. Should want to assimilate into this new world and do their best to prove to everyone that they deserved to be there. That they could be good.

She scoffed. Rolling her eyes at the idea. They were condemned to be monsters or to forget the past transgressions made against them. And Melinoe knew which of the two she would pick if push came to shove.

Turning to Raph, she gave him one of her little smirks. “I am going to offer my services up to Faerilyth Moor. I do not know when, or how... as she is always being trailed by one shadow or another. But I am confident she is planning something, and I want to help.” She wanted to see Auradon burn. At least for a little while. Watch all the people scramble and worry for their lives. And then wanted to rule over their souls for all eternity within the underworld. When the time came.

when: may 30th, coronan lantern ball who: faerilyth moor and melinoe papatonis @oncemorewthfeeling​

The clock struck nine and the party was still raging on. The music swelled, a gorgeous symphony by a small orchestra situated at the farthest point of the ballroom. Bodies moved in sync, rushing through daring waltzes and quadrilles in fiendish glee. Faerilyth thought dancing to be a stupid pastime, and had never before coming to Auradon thought it wise to learn how to do so. However she had her part to play; docile, naïve, doe eyed child captivated with the world that had only barely been given to her. How she cleaved into such a role, even when people assumed the worst of her, and how she played her part.

She was now working her way to the edge of the dance floor, chest heaving with labored breath, carefully pulling her arm from an eager dance partner who dared to pull her back into the fray. “Oh Miss Moor, please just one more! They’re gearing up for a waltz.” She had to fight not to send an icy glare to him, the kind she learned from her mother but bled with the powerful fury of her demonic father. Instead she kept the charming grin she’d practiced countlessly in front of mirrors and shook her head with a giggle. Because that is what pretty little things did — they giggled. Horrid noise.

“Mr. Barrow, I must insist upon a break. You are such a wonderful dancer, I am not fully accustomed to countless turns. I am in dire need of refreshment.” He quickly offered to retrieve, but Faerilyth silenced him with a wave of her hand. “Go now, there are so many lovely women in need of a partner. I daresay — Lady Rose of Auroria seems lonesome now. Why don’t you ask her for the next one?” She waved her hand again, a spell from which he could not refuse, and watched as he rolled his eyes but mechanically walked away. Free at last.

Once she felt no eyes were on her, she dropped the look upon her face and rolled her own eyes in irritation. The things she needed to do to build up her carefully chosen façade. Reaching into her skirts to where she had pinned a stop watch, she flipped back its cover and looked. Barely five after. Time was extremely of the essence tonight. She would need to somehow get message to Nikolai and Mercedes, and perhaps Cillian. Organize the troops, and send off a team into the catacombs below the city where her sources claimed the Sun Drop Flower was hidden. The last remnant of magic in Corona.

As her gaze whipped across the room, taking in the number of palace guards and where they were stationed — small obstacles that could stand in their way — her eyes stumbled over Melinoe Papatonis, lingering upon the Child of the Underworld with a sudden curiosity. She could not recall how often she spoke to the other back in the Shadow Realm. Then again, she was not allowed to socialize much. She stayed up in that cave at the base of those horrific mountains on the edge of Shadowloft, the makeshift town the villains put together. Mostly segregated from those that would be her peers. In truth, she didn’t need to know her on a deep level, there was just one thing about her she wanted to know about. Her powers, the scope of them, and how they could be used to her advantage. Taking the first two glasses she saw upon a tray of refreshment which wandered past her line of vision, she began walking towards the other, lowering her head in greeting when Melinoe’s violet eyes met hers. A hand extended forward, offering the second glass she’d managed.

“I’m not sure what it is, but I suppose we don’t have to worry if it’s poisoned,” she quipped, a small but friendly grin on her face. She stood beside the other, but her gaze returned to the merry throng dancing at the center of the room, of the guests excitedly conversing and socializing on the fringes of the dancefloor. Much like them, she supposed.

“You know, I find it odd you and I are not better acquainted. In a way we share something in common; fathers who rule over domains of the dead.” Hers was the demonic prince of hell, home of sinners and the worst of men, while Melinoe’s was the god of the underworld, the place where all dead would eventually go if not claimed by Chernabog. “Perhaps our time in Auradon will give us the chance to finally get to know each other, don’t you think?” There was more to her words, a subtle sort of invitation. If Melinoe suspected that Faerilyth was up to something, and if she would want in, then maybe she would catch on. Or maybe it was just a friendly invitation to properly socialize. She left it up to her to decide.

~ ♰ ~

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

Melinoe had been keeping one eye on Faerilyth Moor for a long time. The girl was powerful, potentially the most powerful being from the Shadow Realm, considering who her parents were, and Melinoe knew the best course of action would be to remain on her good side. To be useful. Because if she was not useful, she was expendable, and that could not be the case. 

She was too pretty to be expendable.

The raven-haired vixen had been curious for a while now, as to what Faerilyth was planning. Because she must be planning something. There was no way she did not have a single idea on how to one day gain power in Auradon. And when that day came, Melinoe wanted to be on her side. Well... she wanted to be on the side that prevailed. Which is why she was also making as many connections with the powerful men and women of Auradon that she could. She did not care how she achieved her goals, as long as they happened.

She had been considering how to approach Faerilyth for weeks now. Perhaps happen upon her room one night in the boarding house. Or happen upon her during a morning promenade. Regardless, she was unsure what the best course of action was. But as the girl made her way across the room and extended a glass her way, Melinoe wondered if perhaps the gods were shining down upon her. 

❧︵┈𝖈𝖆𝖑𝖆𝖓𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖎𝖗𝖛𝖎𝖓𝖊┈︵❧

“and what other team would you have me be on?” the question was punctuated by a beaming grin as calanthe worked her own hair into a messy braid huffing in irritation at the blasted skirt of her dress and the unseemly slippers that passed as ladies shoes. “i am almost positive these things as designed to keep us from running away,” she grouched, half tempted to ditch her shoes and stockings and use her garters to keep her hem above her ankles. “or beating the men to a pulp when they are short-sighted and irritating…” which was just about always, as far as cal was concerned. 

smiling reassuringly at her friend, she nodded. “let them talk and sneer, by the end of the regatta we will either be champions having proven them all wrong and wounded their pride, or we will still have been members of an all female team who out-competed at least enough fine gentleman to leave their pride smarting for the rest of the season, either way, what fun!” catching a shadow on the ground she looked up to the sky, hand blocking the sun as he grin turned wicked. 

“don’t forget, teddy. we also have glenna, who out of the rest of this lot are so fortunate?” putting her arm out she happily caught the falcon who was so careful with her flesh so as to never do more than leave a scratch she knocked her forehead lightly against the birds with happiness and satisfaction. “we’re an unmatched team in my opinion.” 

✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀

Teddy gave a heaving sign paired with a shrug of her shoulders. “I was unaware if Lord Pendragon was participating and if he would ask you to be a part of his team.” It was not an outlandish assumption to make, and Teddy was thankful it seemed he was sitting this year out. She was certain half her team would have gone to him if he had been participating. 

Looking at the slippers, Teddy laughed before speaking slightly above a whisper. “I will not tell anyone, if you do so decide to remove them for the race. We can keep them in the boat and you can slip them back on once we win and are escorted out of the hull.” Perhaps they should all do such a thing. It could be good luck.

“Such fun! To be honest, I was shocked they were letting women compete. But I will not ask questions, only enjoy that no one has changed their minds.” Looking up at the sky and following Cal’s gaze, Teddy took in the soaring bird above. Oh, how she wished she could own a falcon. Of course, her Momma would never allow it. Just her cat, as that was a much more respectable pet for a lady. “How incredible to see through her eyes,” she looked at Cal with a quizzical expression. “Do you two have such a bond? It would come in much help during the race.” As the bird came down to rest on her friend’s arm, Teddy moved closer. She held her hand out, hoping the bird would allow her to pet her. “Do you have any ideas on how to celebrate our win today?” She asked, letting out a soft sigh of relief when the bird nuzzled into her hand.