#james01

Though some would claim it was not so, the women of the English court, as well as those from courts abroad, understood what the men did not - it was the "gentler" sex who kept the hive thriving. Behind locked doors and smiling lips alike laid knowledge of every courtier, every secret, every rendezvous, every plan. For what were women to do but trade tales while the men tended to matters of state and family? Meg had long ago fell victim to the rush a piece of gossip could provide, and though she was never the instigator of such rumors, one by one they did pass her ear. In some ways, it felt a necessary responsibility of her station; the princess must be kept informed of all goings-on around, for her own safety, and Meg was more than happy to oblige.

james: you're being ridiculous

james: i don't understand why you can't just trust me

continued from here. . .

The ominous gray sky roared above James as he stomped out onto the deck of Anubis, boots sloshing against the soaked wood. His eyes scanned what he could see of the harbor, making sure his handiwork to secure everything had worked. Storms always had been a pain in the ass, even if he didn’t mind the spray of water against his face now. Rose stood on the other end of the ship, leaning against the railing, as drenched as he was. He continued to walk to where she waited, eyes finally meeting hers. In that moment, he knew she remembered the last time they were caught in a storm together.

The wind blew so strong that day that it gave his sails a hell of a time, the rain hitting them sideways as they tried to run, to fight the foolish souls who dared board his ship with ill intent. Blood poured just as hard, mixing with the water as they both splashed against the wood. They’d won the fight, of course, dead and mangled bodies littering the ship when they finished with the invaders. They tossed the dead bodies into the raging sea and let the rain do the rest.

By the time he sidled up to Rose, hands grasping the railing as he looked out ahead of them, he took a deep breath. There were no fights to be had today, no enemies to take care of. There was just the sound of thunder, the flash of lightning, and a sleepy town that didn’t know of all they’d done. “There’s always a storm to brave, isn’t there?” He looked down a moment, lost in thought, before turning back to her with an almost unreadable expression. “Come on,” he said quietly, slowly backing away from the rails and toward his quarters once more as his mind came back to the present. “There’s towels and a bottle of brandy waiting inside.”

      The sound of James’ boots stamping on the deck brought Rose out of her reverie, while the rain and wind had only served to send her back into the past. She did not recall the same memory that the other vampire did, but one a bit more peaceful ---the wind didn’t whip against her cheeks, and no waves crashed onto the deck about them. Instead, her memory was home to a fine mist of the early morning, just as the sun was beginning to rise. At the time, it had made her think of her old home in France where she had loved and lost as much as anyone could, in only a few years. Now, the rain only served to remind her of things long passed, and of the memory of memories... things that happened so long ago she could hardly recall how they made her feel, let alone feel it all over again. 

      She looked to James after he spoke up, her expression just as unreadable as his. There was no pressure to be one thing or another, around the man ---she could feel nothing, and not be judged, or she could feel everything all at once and choose not to talk about it. It didn’t matter. The two of them had done horrible things, together and all on their own, and she felt little sorrow or regret for any of it. She guessed that he didn’t, either, and that made them kindred in a way she didn’t think many others would understand. 

Seeing James in the Three Broomsticks was a nice surprise, he grinned, clapping his friend on the shoulder before he pointed to the empty seat next to James. It had been a while since he had seen the other outside of the Order. "Are you meeting anyone or is this seat open?"

"Thank you so much for coming! Did you see Frank's face when he came in? He was shocked. Surprise succeeded." Alice smiled, wrapping James in a friendly hug. The party had come together nicely and all their friends were here. It couldn't get any better.

Winnie didn’t feel much like being social. She hadn’t since she had been back in the city if she was being honest. But one of her friends had a new guy she was dating, and he had invited her to attend an event for his work. Some sort of fundraiser or something - not as a date though, or else Winnie wouldn’t have been being practically forced into going with her. That would be too weird, for her to go alone, or so she insisted - and so she was dragging Winnie out, since she had barely seen her. Well, of course. That’s because Winnie had been avoiding pretty much everyone, not wanting anyone to pick up on the difference that had been brought about by her spending six weeks in rehab. If people noticed them and started asking questions, Winnie may have to explain, and that was quite possibly her worst nightmare at the moment. People finding out. The higher ups at the ballet company knew, and that was just it. And she intended for it to stay that way. So that’s how she found herself at this event, studiously avoiding even looking at the glasses of wine. In fact, she was looking anywhere but, which is how she found herself making eye contact with none other than James.

@the-jamesmonroe

Honestly, Jonah was bored.

He had really expected coming to the isle to mean instant excitement, but thus far... nothing had really happened. He was in a cell which, sure, kinky, but what was there to do? He had been able to get a few books, but it was dark, late, and he wasn’t at all tired.

Normally this would be a good time to play a game, but he hadn’t been allowed to bring his phone or his Nintendo. He supposed he could try meditating, but he was too jumpy for clarity. And sure, this was a sex resort, but it wasn’t like he was horny enough to just start doing something and hope someone wandered by.

Jonah half wished he had a keyboard or something, if only so his piano skills didn’t go rusty. Maybe there was a music room somewhere in the estate he could look for? Maybe that’s what he’d set out to do tomorrow. He’d just badger someone to let him look around. After all, allowing these levels of boredom just wasn’t humane, and he’d hardly signed up for this whole malarkey to be bored, of all things.