` 𝖘𝖚𝖓𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 .

`     (     𝖎𝖓𝖙𝖗𝖔 .     𝖒𝖚𝖘𝖊 .     𝖎𝖓𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖆𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘 .     𝖆𝖊𝖘𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖙𝖎𝖈 .   𝔪𝔞𝔦𝔫𝔟𝔩𝔬𝔤:​ @coosset​  *

                                          𝖎𝖗𝖎𝖘 𝖎𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖘 🛡️

                                         ( character inspo )

four/tobias eaton: quiet, but brave and intelligent. though capable of being a fierce and merciless fighter, four prefers to use his skills to help people. he can offer practical advice whenever faced with a new challenge, and feels intense loyalty to his friends. he is a smart fighter often steps ahead of his opponents. — divergent series )

gamora:  gamora in many ways has a warrior heart. serious, focused, & honorable. she is strong-willed, determined and resourceful. she carries herself with the dignity of a true warrior, but she is also a bit of a lone wolf due to her upbringing. because of her childhood she’s hesitant to open up. she is slow to make friends and doesn’t trust easily. her loyalty and friendship is hard earned.  — the guardians of the galaxy )

raven:  she can come off as mysterious often. she is quiet, troubled, brooding, grim, seemingly emotionless, intelligent, studious and sarcastic. she can always come up with a smart remark when prompted. found often battling internal battles but keeps herself in check in order to not worry others.  — teen titians )

mai:  due to mai’s upbringing she is consistently unamused by life. preferring blank stares and detachment from emotions. dark, brooding, stoic, and gloomy, mai is usually bored by her circumstances and takes little interest in anything around her. she goes through the motions day by day.  — avatar the last airbender )

dimitri belikov:  is a quiet, soldier-like man who at first appears stoic and unwavering. his emotions can be hard to read most of the time. he can appear gruff and strict at first meeting, taking awhile to warm to others. although he does show some acts of kindness when able, deep down he is loving and has a strong loyalty to those he cares about. dimitri is extremely loyal and dutiful, especially when it comes to duty of guarding and protecting the moroi.  — vampire academy the book series )

katniss everdeen:  katniss is a strong survivalist, lethal, & good at thinking outside the box. tough, independent, resourceful, fiery, and skilled with her weapon of choice, and yet she also has a compassionate side and deep loyalty to those she loves. she has a hard time connecting with others. deeply true to herself she doesn’t mask her opinions. if she doesn’t like you, it will be known. very adaptable and a natural fighter.  — the hunger games )

at  that  moment  ,  his  vexation  disappeared  ,  melted  along  with  the  snow  beneath  his  fingertips  as  he  dragged  them  along  the  stone  fences  .  and  a  boyish  smirk  lit  up  his  whole  face  ;  no  longer  was  the  prince  ,  now  just  a  boy  with  mischief  in  his  eyes  .  ‘  I’VE  KNOWN  YOU  IRIS  !  ’  he  started  ,  most  dramatically ,  ‘  and  i’ve  not  known  you  to  be  one  without  an  opinion  .  you’ve  told  me  right  away  what  you  thought  of  me  the  first  we  met  !  ’  and  what  a  lovely  first  impression  it  had  been  .  had  she  not  answer  him  honestly  when  inquired  ,  servaos  would  surely  not  held  her  in  such  high  esteem  .  

even  further  ,  he’d  have  her  sent  back  to  whoever  assigned  the  then  fresh  graduate  back  to  the  academy  .

‘  hmmm  …  ’  he  hummed  in  agreement  and  even  in  with  a  mere  vocal  response  ,  one  could  hear  how  much  he  cherished  iris  and  how  fond  he  was  to  hear  her  thoughts  .  oh  the  distance  they’ve  travelled !  to  think  there  was  once  a  time  he’d  wish  her  gone  .  ‘  QUITE  TRUE  .  which  is  why  i’ve  plans  to  leave  as  soon  as  my  business  here  is  done  .  mina  can  have  the  throne  for  all  i  care  ,  i  just  wish  to  go  back  to  the  outpost  where  we  could  just  savour  each  other’s  silence  in  pure  bliss  ,  wouldn’t  you  agree  ,  my  dear  friend  ?  ’

‘  what  a  scam  my  aleyna  had  to  put  up  with  !  ’  barked  out  a  laugh  .  though  servaos  was  sure  the  young  woman  had  her  own  company  to  share  the  night  with  when  he’s  gone  .  ‘  to  marry  a  prince  only  to  have  him  a  tree -  hugger  who’d  rather  play  in  mud  than  dance  in  balls  .  ah  ,  this  stays  between  us  …  and  yana  too  if  you  wish  to  gossip  .  ‘ 

and  slowly—    they  fall  into  a  gentle  ease.  its  like  the  beginnings  of  a  light  summer  rain.  there’s  an  excitement  to  see  him  open  up  to  her,  a  yearning  iris  has  for  this  slow  paced  rain.  it  wasn’t  a  overflow  ....  instead  calm  &  soothing.  the  switch  in  tone  causes  heart  to  sputter  as  chest  swells  with  happiness  as  she  inhales.  his  joy  was  her  joy.  he  has  bled  so  deeply  into  her  soul  &  encapsulated  himself  into  the  minuscule  particles  of  her  very  being  and  he  doesn’t  even  know.  the  prince  has  her  heart  in  a  notion  of  a  found  brother.  found  family.  she  watches  the  humor  on  his  face  and  can’t  help  the  half  crooked  smile  on  her  lips  as  they  walk  in  unison.  she  would  gladly  fight  the  demons,  scale  the  obstacles,  slay  the  dragon  ......  for  his  happiness.  for  safe  moments  like  these.  chuckling  to  herself  her  head  drops  eyes  finding  her  boots  pushing  into  the  soft  blades  of  grass  beneath.  

he  calls  her  friend  and  she  feels  unworthy  of  such  a  title.  she  feels  the  weight  of  gratitude  heavy  on  her  shoulders  and  can’t  quite  voice  her  appreciation  to  the  prince  at  the  life  and  love  he’s  given  to  her.  so  she’ll  fight  for  him  day  in  and  day  out.  attempt  to  show  through  her  actions  just  how  grateful  she  is.  iris  is  quiet  as  he  speaks  as  she  is  most  times,  fingers  locking  and  unlocking  that  are  neatly  tucked  behind  her  back.  “  give  the  order  and  we’ll  proceed  to  the  lines  servaos.  i’m  with  you,  ”  eyes  lift  once  more  as  she  glances  back  ahead  and  then  to  him.  “  always.  ”  a  nod  in  agreeance.  iris  had  seen  in  war  just  how  much  servaos  thrived.  he  was  a  great  leader.  she  knew  just  how  much  of  a  difference  he’d  make  in  his  fathers  place.  but  protective,  as  always,  she  wishes  to  shield  him  from  the  venom  of  court.  “  speaking  freely  if  i  can,  ”  she  begins  with  a  simple  shrug.  glancing  to  him  quickly  she  proceeds  seeing  formalities  are  tucked  aside.  (  but  she  still  holds  utmost  respect  for  him  )  “  we  are  the  most  content  there.  we  excel.  ”  &  they  did.  navigating  the  outpost  side  by  side,  in  unison.  a  dark  unkept  brow  lifts  at  him  and  she  gives  a  audible  huff,  slowing  shaking  her  head.  “  don’t  apologize  for  who  you  are.  she  is  fortunate  to  have  you.  we  all  are.  you  are  the  strongest  person  i  know.  ”  features  shift  in  a  scowl  like  expression  as  if  she  is  defensive.  dark  gaze  almost  saddened  as  he  voices  his  words.  wishing  he’d  see  himself  as  she  saw  him.  but  just  as  quick;  she’s  the  one  beginning  to  laugh.  it’s  a  choked  sound.  muscles  untrained  and  not  often  used.  it  ends  in  a  light  cough  and  roll  of  her  eyes;  playful  retaining  her  respect  for  her  superior.  “  gossip?  me?  ”  she  visibly  grimaces  as  if  in  physical  pain.  “  uh.  no.  its  almost  like  you  think  im  a  lady  or  something.  ”  iris  cracks  another  smile  at  him,  peeking  at  him  through  dark  lashes  as  she  glances  over  once  more.  *  

Chapter 3: Full of Terrors

Location: iarna keep

Open starter!

Luisa refused to let anyone see that side of her after that night. Her own screams of agony after being faced with her worst fears only for it to be an illusion… to her it was embarrassing. Never again would she let anyone see her sweat.

As she prepared to go on a walk through the keep after leaving her apartment, she heard footsteps behind her.

“Care to join me? I’m about to go for a walk, a bit of walking always does the body good… does it not?” Luisa asked the person as she turned to face them.

hands  fold  into  her  pockets,  head  down  as  she  moved  about  the  corridor  quickly.  iris  walked  as  though  she  were  always  in  a  rush  even  when  there  was  never  a  need  to.  fast  pace  comes  to  a  slowed  halt  as  the  other  enters  her  frame  and  iris’  lips  fall  into  a  straight  line.  almost  void  of  outward  emotions.  

lifting  her  arm  she  scratches  the  back  of  her  neck  glancing  around.  usually  she  roamed  solo.  “  uh  yeah.  jogging  and  running  are  good  too.  ”  never  the  best  with  her  words  she  clears  her  throat.  a  forced  smile  finds  her,  ever  so  small.  “  i’ll  follow  your  lead.  ”  iris  comes  to  flank  her  side  by  stepping  forward.  “  most  people  aren’t  out  this  early  in  the  day.  ”  she  converses  the  best  she  can.  *  

his  will—  is  her  own.  there  is  a  power  to  her  walk;  an  anger.  she  seeps  fury.  it  poisons  her  blood  and  wretches  at  her  throat.  fists  clench  and  unclench  as  tall  frame  sways  in  place  before  vast  doors.  slowly  but  surely  she  does  her  best  to  release  her  anger  for  his  sake.  she  wouldn’t  overwhelm  him.  she  wouldn’t  put  him  in  pain.  neck  sways  back  and  forth  as  deep  breathing  is  practiced.  pushing  past  the  guards  that  stood  temporarily  in  her  place  with  a  forceful  shove  trails  of  dark  hued  fabric  are  whipped  with  a  gust  of  wind  that  follows  her  as  she  enters.  it  wasn’t  often  she  departed  from  him.  in  fact,  it  pained  her  to  do  so.  (  and  for  a  being  who  had  become  damn  near  numb  to  pain  ....  that  was  saying  something  )  she  didn’t  trust  anyone  else  with  his  safety.  no  one  could  be  trusted.  

expression  is  motionless  as  she  comes  to  a  pause  before  him.  relief  washes  over  her  to  see  him  safe  and  back  within  her  reach.  she  carefully  contains  her  rage  like  a  russian  doll,  safe  guarding  it.  sinking  to  her  knee  before  him  frame  bows  with  ease.  head  dips,  quiet  for  lingering  moments  before  lifting  her  head  once  more  and  pushing  the  fabric  back  that  shielded  her  face.  “  your  highness,  ”  she  greets  formally.  gaze  dart  to  the  other  guards  posted  throughout  the  room  and  her  eyebrows  knitting  are  the  only  notion  of  distaste.  the  other  guards  didn’t  like  her  much,  she  knew  she  could  be  intense  ..........  but  it  was  all  because  she  (  loved  )  servaos.  “  a  word  please,  alone.  ”  gaze  falls  back  to  him,  holding  her  position  steady  until  he  said  otherwise.  * continued & updated from ( 🛡️ ) !!! @prnced​

at  the  hug,  the  contact,  tall  frame  stiffens.  she  was  never  well  versed  at  these  interactions.  gradually  a  hand  lifts  to  gently  pat  his  back,  her  own  shoulders  slumping  in  relief.  she  needed  this,  needed  his  comfort.  and  though  physical  response  doesn’t  align  with  what  her  heart  sought,  she  softens  slightly.  moving  voicelessly  she  follows  him  and  nods  as  the  blanket  is  offered  taking  her  seat.  she’s  quiet  for  a  few  moments  as  inner  monologue  shouts  for  her  to  speak.  but  she’s  mute.  lifting  her  head  slowly  she  looks  over  at  him  swallowing.  

he’s  so  kind.  so  good.  she  swears  if  the  princess  ever  did  him  harm  she’d  go  at  arms  in  his  honor.  iris  is  bias  of  course.  her  own  charge;  the  princess’  brother;  didn’t  like  her.  iris  didn’t  trust  her  ....  and  she  didn’t  trust  her  with  varians  heart.  “  i  know.  i  appreciate  you.  ”  she  finally  breaks  her  silence.  her  gaze  fleets  to  the  fire  watching  the  orange  and  yellow  flames  intently.  “  you’re  here  for  me,  for  them,  but  who’s  here  for  you?  who  the  fuck  is  fighting  your  fight?  ”  her  voice  is  low,  obviously  concerned  for  her  friend.  though  she  clearly  didn’t  know  how  to  express  it  well.  “  are  you  okay?  ” * continued from here ( 🛡️ ) !!! @ecliipsxd​ 

t’was  only  after  the  stranger  had  left  them  once  more  than  the  young  man  let  his  smile  drop  before  giving  iris  a  look  of  appreciation  .  there  was  always  an  unspeakable  understanding  between  the  two  of  them  .  servaos  need  not  to  use  his  ability  to  form  an  empathetic  connection  between  the  two  for  iris  to  understand  his  thoughts  ,  to  read  what  his  actions  meant  ,  and   saw  behind  the  minuscule  changes  in  the  light  of  his  eyes  and  the  lines  of  his  smiles  .

‘  thank  you  ,  ’  he  whispered  sincerely  .  the  air  had  been  stagnant  and  the  scent  of  something  so  sweet  it  became  most  FOUL  lingered  in  the  chilled  air  between  them  .  servaos  had  always  associated  it  with  this  crumbling  decaying  household  and  said  nothing  of  it  .  the  people  in  it  ,  snakes  in  grass  and  nothing  more  .

‘  they  do …  they  understand  the  underlying  message  behind  my  words  ,  they  chose  to  ignore  it  .  that’s  the  difference  between  decent  people  and  boot - licking  and  self - serving  bastards  ,  wouldn’t  you  say  ?  ’  

a  soft  nod  if  offered  as  long  legs  step  further  forward  to  join  his  flank.  she  gathers  her  hands  in  front  of  her,  momentarily  glancing  over  her  shoulder  to  watch  their  retreat  but  also  asses  their  surroundings.  “  ‘course.  fuck  them.  ”  she  huffs.  his  annoyances  were  her  own.  one  of  two.  a  bonded  pair.   

cracking  a  grin  iris  thaws  slowly.  she’s  still  on  alert,  still  present,  but  her  formalities  ease  as  they  share  sole  company.  “  i’m  not  supposed  to  have  an  opinion,  ”  she  muses  quietly,  nose  upturning  as  she  exhales  a  scoff.  “  but  if  i  did,  yes.  also  are  there  really  any  decent  people  left?  i  know  i’m  the  glass  half  empty  type  but  c’mon.  ”  she  converses  easily  with  him.  it  were  small  moments  like  these  that  strengthened  their  bond.  “  do  you  want  us  to  go  unnoticed?  ”  she  adds  gently.  his  comfort  a  priority.  but  if  he  wished,  in  an  instant,  they’d  be  invisible.  *  

genya :

❝  it  doesn’t  matter  .  they’ll  all  be  far  too  busy  .  ❞

a  girl  is  made  of  iron  and  steel  ,  wrapped  in  ribbons  though  they  pull  apart  at  her  touch  .  as  pretty  as  a  rose  bush  ,  with  thorns  just  as  sharp  ,  genya  blends  within  the  crowds  with  ease  -  and  is  easily  forgotten  while  she  rests  within  her  chambers  .  blood  stains  her  sheets  ,  arms  and  legs  damp  through  the  bandages  .

soldier  has  had  worse  injuries  .  there’s  a  memory  of  an  explosion  in  some  courtyard  or  another  back  in  the  field  causing  her  hearing  to  disappear  for  days  on  end  ,  very  flesh  ripped  from  her  bones  .  that  had  been  painful  to  heal  ,  gifted  healers  or  not  .  this  is  merely  an  ache  in  comparison  ,  though  the  dragon  left  burns  are  a  new  touch  .

injuries  are  no  new  thing  ,  but  having  one  who  cares  by  her  side  is  .  

she  offers  a  faint  smile  and  sits  up  some  ,  biting  her  tongue  at  the  ache  it  brings  her  muscles  .  ❝  it’s  not  your  fault  .  if  you  want  to  blame  someone  blame  the  king  for  hosting  a  party  so  quick  after  an  assassination  attempt  ,  the  right  fool  .    ❞

   ❝  and. what’s  another  scar  or  two  ,  really  .  they’ll  heal  up  so  faint  they’ll  be  able  to  be  hidden  beneath  lace  ,  did  you  know  that  ?  i  still  have  a  dagger  mark  upon  my  abdomen  that  will  match  nicely  .    ❞

her  hand  retracts  just  as  fast  as  it  had  landed  upon  hers.  as  if  genya  is  a  blazing  sun,  she’s  scared  if  she  lingers  too  long  she’ll  set  and  nightfall  will  come  ....  iris  didn’t  yearn  for  the  night.  it  took  up  too  much  of  her  life,  anyways.  she  was  walking  through  the  motions  day  to  day  and  yet  here  genya  sat.  a  ray  of  sun.  a  ray  of  hope  in  her  endless  dark  nights.  she  shifts  as  she  does,  coming  to  take  a  seat  at  the  edge  of  her  bed  now.  she  brings  her  hands  back  into  her  own  lap  staring  down  at  them  quietly.  iris  doesn’t  fear  most.  she  does  however,  fear  her  own  voice.  she’s  scared  to  say  the  wrong  things.  she’s  scared  to  mess  up.  (  she’s  scared  to  loose  her  !  )  “  fuck  them,  ”  she  whispers  with  a  huff  of  anger.  “  fuck  this  whole  system  that  puts  them  first.  ”  her  voice  grows  in  volume,  however  words  are  fierce  due  to  the  pain  genya  is  in,  not  the  system.  shaking  her  head  dark  tendrils  bounce  carelessly.  her  next  words  are  a  angry  whisper  meant  just  for  her  ears  alone.  “  i  mean  you’re  the  kings  ears.  that  should  give  you  some  kind  of  leverage.  ”  as  the  blankets  shift  with  moving  weight  iris  lifts  her  head  in  attention.  “  he  is  pretty  stupid.  ”  finally  a  smile  is  cracked.  her  chuckle  is  a  mere  huff  of  air  expelled,  but  dark  eyes  search  her  face.  usual  steely  gaze  softens.  she’s  melting....  melting.....  molten.  

“  i  remember  because  i  patched  it  up.  ”  rose  hued  lips  quirk  with  a  half  smirk  and  she’s  reaching  again.  “  c’mon  lets  get  you  cleaned  up.  ”  dark  fingers  knit  into  the  fabric  of  the  night  dress  she  wore.  the  garment  is  stiff  with  dried  blood  but  she  ever  so  tenderly  pulls  it  over  their  head  careful  to  not  disturb  her  further.  iris  tosses  it  idly  to  the  ground  floating  about  the  room  knowingly.  she  finds  another  dark  cream  colored  one  and  gathers  at  the  fabric  once  more  setting  it  on  the  bed.  attempting  to  retain  focus  its  quickly  a  lost  cause.  in  her  best  attempt  to  brighten  her  spirits  she  finds  another  smile  glancing  at  genya’s  stomach  and  then  her  face.  “  i  think  i  see  it,  ”    a  playful  hum,  alto  toned  deep  yet  feminine.  “  let  me  get  a  closer  look.  ”  swooping  down  iris  steadies  herself  placing  a  hand  on  the  bed  to  ghost  a  kiss  over  the  top  of  genya’s  thigh,  a  grin  finding  her  lips  without  even  looking  up  to  her.  face  stops  at  the  pink  toned  scar.  a  proper  token  of  battle.  she’s  placing  her  lips  gently  on  the  scar  and  pausing.  eyes  fall  closed,  and  she  thanks  the  god....  gods....  whoever  the  fuck  allowed  genya  frey  to  be  in  her  life  in  that  moment.  lifting  her  head  she  peaks  up  at  genya,  expression  neutral  though  dark  orbs  hold  something  much  softer  &  sacred.  never  without  awkwardness  she’s  clearing  her  throat  and  setting  the  dress  to  the  side.  expression  icy  once  more  as  she  plans  the  task  at  hand.  she  doesn’t  talk  then  as  she  works.  iris  falls  into  a  comfortable  silence  with  genya  as  she  dresses  her  wounds.  she  recognizes  genya’s  strength  so  she  doesn’t  go  through  the  painful  ‘  does  this  hurt?  ’  at  each  lifted  bandage.  instead  cautious  gaze  occasionally  looks  up  for  any  signal  of  severe  distress.  iris  is  no  mender,  no  soft  flower,  her  hands  wield  daggers  and  they  are  rough  and  calloused,  but  she  does  her  best  to  be  tender  for  genya’s  sake.  satisfied  she  puts  soiled  dressings  in  the  tin  bowl  at  her  bedside  and  manages  a  stiff  “  sorry.  ”  for  any  pain  further  caused.  iris  knew  they’d  do  the  same  service  for  them  if  roles  were  shifted.  she  dunks  her  hands  in  water  to  rid  palms  of  salve  or  dried  blood  before  wiping  them  back  on  her  own  shirt  to  dry  them  off.  picking  up  the  dress  she  ever  so  slowly  tugs  it  down  onto  genya’s  milky  frame.  shifting  on  her  feet  she  has  half  a  mind  to  make  her  exit  and  leave  genya  to  her  pain.  she  knew  just  how  hard  it  were  to  front  how  much  she  was  hurting.  she  even  manages  a  half  turn  before  selfishly  she’s  kicking  off  her  shoes.  rounding  around  the  bed  iris  climbs  in  quickly  as  if  the  notion  of  hesitating  too  much  might  cause  her  to  change  her  mind.  she’s  sighing  helplessly,  helpless  to  genya  frey  and  bringing  her  tall  frame  close  to  them.  iris  carefully  brings  herself  behind  genya  tall  frame  needing  all  the  room  she  can  to  stretch  her  legs.  still  wordlessly  she  presses  her  own  backside  to  the  frame  of  the  bed  to  settle  genya  in  her  embrace.  she  tucks  her  there,  not  daring  to  touch.  her  legs  however  wind  to  encase  genya’s  hips  and  she’s  flush  to  her,  genya’s  backside  coming  to  rest  against  her  own  chest.  lifting  a  sandy  palm  she  takes  cool  fingers  to  grasp  at  genya’s  chin.  she  turns  her  face  to  tilt  her  upwards  so  iris  can  be  (  you  guessed  )  impossibly  closer.  she  wants  to  say  many  things  then.  wants  to  voice  her  cares  and  concerns.  scoldings  for  pain  inflicted  on  herself.  but  the  words  never  come.  her  heart  is  hammering  so  loud  she  can  damn  near  hear  it  in  her  ears.  if  genya  wasn’t  so  close,  she’d  curse.  with  a  fearful  tug  iris  descends  placing  her  lips  gently  onto  hers.  its  an  incredibly  soft  press  for  such  a  rough  girl.  forehead  falls  to  find  a  home  on  hers,  gently  exhaling  as  some  kind  of  relief  is  sweeping  over  her  once  they  are  joined.  everything  goes  quiet  for  her,  and  alas  peace  (  and  love  )  are  felt.  *  

                         iris illes & tavra caro                                 ft. princesses don't cry aviva

                          iris illes & servaos dragola                                        ft. all for us zendaya

                                        iris illes & genya frey                                               ft. can i call you tonight by dayglow

𝕾𝖙𝖆𝖙𝖚𝖘: open 𝕻𝖑𝖆𝖈𝖊: near market on keep’s grounds 𝖂𝖍𝖊𝖓: during the festival of the divine  𝕴𝖒𝖕𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖆𝖓𝖙 𝕹𝖔𝖙𝖊: her vrajiit powers are power nullification and she can’t control it, your powers won’t work in a 3 m (10 ft) radius around her

          The journey of finding herself typically didn’t quite include snowball fights with kids, but she thought - why not? It looked fun and she needed a bit of joy in her rather negative looking life, after her home being taken by the enemy. The kids didn’t mind her joining in - another target to throw snowballs at. She was actually quite good at throwing back, only her bare hands were starting to freeze a little. But as the kids realized she was good at it, they ganged up on her and she had to flee. “You will never catch me!” she called laughing and, lifting her skirt a bit, so she wouldn’t trip and fall on her face, Leyla turned around and ran away. They were starting to fall behind, and Leyla turned around a corner to hide when she almost bumped into someone - she managed to stop right before a collision could happen. Panting a small laugh rolled over her lips as she looked up at the other. “My apologies! It was not my intention to almost tackle you,” she said feeling a bit embarrassed, also still trying to catch her breath.

she  watches  the  royal  children  quietly.  her  post  for  their  protection.  they  begged  and  pleaded  for  her  to  play....  to  join....  and  iris  would  simply  shake  her  head  in  apology.  she  enjoyed  their  laughter;  their  joy.  it  was  a  scene  from  a  book.  and  if  iris  could  read  well,  she  imagined  this  is  a  scene  told  to  happy  little  children  help  aide  them  in  their  journey  to  the  land  of  sleep.  

iris  sits  quietly  in  the  distance  warmed  by  a  crackling  fire.  a  few  older  children  in  their  teens  enjoy  cups  of  luxurious  melted  chocolate  and  candies.  her  gaze  falls  on  the  lady,  and  she’s  ethereal  in  that  moment.  iris  watches  in  her  own  reserved  awe  at  her  beauty  before  watching  her  run  closer  and  closer.  she  made  no  move  to  retreat  and  they  nearly  collide.  a  small  smile  is  offered  as  palms  clench  and  unclench.  even  her  laugh  is  pretty.  iris  swallows  as  she  searches  for  words  that  are  late  to  come.  she  parts  her  lips  and  idly  scratches  at  dark  tresses  that  spill  past  her  shoulders.  springing  and  winding  at  the  intense  cold,  they  bounce  back.  snow  crunches  beneath  her  boots  as  she  shifts  her  weight.  “  it’s  okay.  i  would  of  caught  you.  ”  she  assures  stiffly,  awkwardly  even.  before  gaze  is  running  everywhere  but  the  other.  she  watches  the  young  lords  and  ladies  just  beyond  the  others  shoulder  going  back  to  another  snowball  fight.  iris  lifts  from  her  seat  and  offers  it  to  her  politely.  “  would  the  lady  like  to  sit  and  warm  up?  ”  iris  folds  her  hands  behind  her  back  neatly.  *  

sᴛᴀʀᴛᴇʀ: ᴏᴘᴇɴ ᴡʜᴇɴ: ᴇᴠᴇɴᴛ ɪɪ - ᴛʜᴇ ғᴇsᴛɪᴠᴀʟ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅɪᴠɪɴᴇ  ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ: ᴛʜᴇ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛ ғᴇᴀsᴛ

     nothing like a night of dancing to work off the heavy meal of a feast. although anduin believes that the event is highly misplaced and should’ve probably been postponed, he was never one to turn down a party. and from the looks of it? neither was anyway else. dressed in his best, a golden trim lining his fitted doublet, a cocky grin plants itself on his lips.   “i don’t think we should be letting everyone else have all the fun, love. do you?”   he announced as he stood from his seat, spinning around with a flourish and a bow.   “dancing’s for everyone. so what do you say? care for a spin?”   meeting the eyes of the other, he can’t help the wink that accompanies his devilish grin. his hand extended out, he’s making sure to put every one of his etiquette lessons to good use for the night. 

she’s  stoic  as  he  moves  about.  frozen  in  place.  he’s  like  a  bird,  fluttering  about.  iris’  gaze  narrows  as  she  squints  at  him.  half  an  inkling  to  go  invisible  right  then  and  save  herself  the  trouble  of  the  interaction.  he’s  in  a  place  of  power,  of  influence,  and  so  swallowing  tall  frame  straightens  and  squares  her  shoulders.  “  thank  you  for  the  offer  my  lord,  ”

lips  press  in  a  tight  line  visibly  grimacing.  “  but  i  really  don’t  dance.  ”  she  confesses  in  apology  glancing  around  for  some  kind  of  excuse  to  flee.  but  hand  is  taking  his  nonetheless.  she’s  stiff,  resistant.  “  your  taste  in  a  dance  partner  really  is  unfortunate.  ”  beneath  stoney  expression  iris  is  panicking  slightly.  she  didn’t  like  attention;  she  is  a  ghost.  a  shadow.  a  passing  of  wind.  mind  is  working  quickly  as  she  attempts  to  find  a  solution  to  her  new  problem.  “  i  think  maybe  you’ve  confused  me  with  another.  maybe  we  go  grab  a  drink  instead?  food?  c’mon  you  have  to  be  hungry.  i’m  hungry.  ”  *

open  starter    /    event  ii .  the  festival  of  the  divine  .

stealing  away  from  a  crowded  room  was  nothing  new  to  him  .  servaos  had  done  it  time  and  again  that  he  could  fo  it  in  broad  daylight  ,  with  sleep  heavy  on  his  lids  ,  and  in  such  grand  celebration  such  as  this  :  all  with   a  certain   ease  .  

he’d  bid  his  hellos  and  made  polite  conversations  with  all  the  pomps  in  their  ruffled  collars  and  made  up  faces  :  what  more  was  expected  of  him  ?   to  sit  beside  his  father  and  his  sister  and  made  merry  with  them  ?  preposterous  .

‘  ah  !  ’  there  crossed  on  his  face  ,  a  most  peculiar  expression  .  like  a  child  being  caught  doing  something  terribly  bad  yet  with  a  smile  that  fully  suggested  that  the child  felt  not  an  ounce  of  remorse  for  what  he’s  done  .  ‘  you’ll  keep  this  a  secret  won’t  you  ?  they  always  did  say  it’s  good  to  curry  favors  from  important  people  .  ’  though  he  himself  wasn’t  sure  of  what  importance  he  carried  ,  a  man  whose  life  spent  away  from  the  kingdom  and   away  from  politics  :  surely  held  in  his  hands  less  of  an  influence  than  others  from  the  noble  (  he  spat  in  his  mind  at  it  )  dragola  household.  ‘  come  ,  come  ,  won’t  you  let  me  enjoy  the  moonlight  ? ’

she  follows  behind  him  like  a  shadow.  gathered  in  her  own  silence;  observant.  iris  watches  every  breath  servaos  takes  with  a  trained  eye.  she’s  careful  not  to  interact  in  his  engagements  and  instead  has  directed  some  of  his  other  guards  to  other  vantage  points  spaced  throughout  the  festivities.  though  she  lingers,  always  in  reach  of  him  if  needed.  since  the  attack;  since  his  threatened  safety;  iris  has  had  many  sleepless  nights.  anxiety  didn’t  seem  to  be  eased  unless  she  was  at  the  forefront  of  his  protection.  iris  is  almost  statue  like  as  she  watches  his  current  interaction  out  of  the  corner  of  her  eye.  the  only  movement  besides  slow  steps  forward  is  the  flexing  of  her  jaw  as  she  brings  herself  forward  gaze  narrowing  at  the  other.  

she’s  annoyed  by  the  others  persistence  and  by  her  approach  she’s  clearly  had  enough.    her  alto  breaks  the  beats  of  silence  between  the  pair.  “  as  your  royal  highness  has  stated,  he  wishes  to  enjoy  his  time  elsewhere.  you  are  excused.  gooday.  ”  iris  hardly  intervenes  on  the  princes’  interactions;  it  wasn’t  her  place.  she  understood  &  respected  this.  but  she  did  realize  when  he  was  being  suffocated.  either  by  his  own  gift,  or  the  sheer  weight  of  his  position,  she’d  assist.  she  adjusts  the  collar  of  her  pantsuit  and  clears  her  throat.  daggers  in  her  eyes  she  gives  the  other  a  once  over,  obvious  distain  displayed,  before  bringing  her  gaze  back  to  servaos.  turning  on  her  heels  she  offers  him  a  small  smirk  meant  just  for  him.  its  gone  as  soon  as  its  apparent.  iris  comes  to  block  his  backside  not  bothering  to  look  back  at  the  other  as  they  walk  forward.  “  its  like  they  couldn’t  get  the  hint.  ”  she  mutters  under  her  breath  to  him.  she’s  following  his  lead  where  he  wished  to  go  as  hands  come  to  fall  neatly  behind  her  back  once  more.  *