;where the light cannot follow

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The ball. Those words were like a wash of cold water over him, though he didn’t expect Damien to really understand the horror of the words. How could he? Dextral’s social affairs were something that he held very close and he prided himself on keeping everyone personal about him very close to chest. For Damien to know how much the idea of dancing around with some girl in view of everyone possible bothered him, Dex would have actually had to let the boy in – something that hadn’t happened in a very long time. Still, the dark-haired boy did his best now to let it reflect on his face how much the idea of such a frivolous dance bothered him. Instead, he did his best to stand up tall and address his companion as if not a thing in the world bothered him.

“No, I’m afraid that I haven’t found someone for the evening. Though, I imagine that won’t be true forever.” He supposed, if worst came to it, he could always invite Damien’s sister to dance with him. She had seemed eager to chat with him before – though he figured that was less about him and more from the fact that the girl seemed to easily cling onto anyone that crossed her path. Surely, she wouldn’t turn down an invitation, provided that he extended it with some semblance of sincerity – however much it was faked. That would quell the demand that he actually participates in such outlandish festivities, at least for a bit.

“And yourself? Surely, you’ve found someone eager to be on your arm.” His eyes darted down to the limb in question and Dex wanted to kick himself for his racing thoughts. It was such a lovely arm, of course someone would cling onto it. Though, he imagined it would be someone from Auradon, a foolish girl drawn to Damien’s darker features, sure that he could be fixed with just a bit of love. How foolish they would be indeed. “Can you dance?” It was a passive question, though Dex waited for an answer.

His mother had always made sure that he knew what he was doing when it came to the more proper affairs, but he had never been certain others shared the same skills. “If not, you should probably learn. Quickly. It would be a shame to hear some vapid attendee commenting on your lack of dance skills.”

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there was something minuscule that shifted in the other shadowborn’s face. small, barely there. if damien had not been looking at him so intently, perhaps he would not have seen it when he asked the question. but it was gone in the beat of his heart. it could be that he had believed he saw something that was not truly there. a rare occurrence for him, but he was human. which meant it was a possibility none the less.

“i imagine you won’t have any trouble finding someone worthy of hanging on your arm by the day it is needed,” he answered without much thought. the other man was handsome, there was no doubt in his mind that there was someone wishing to be near him. damien himself, had planned to get a worthy date. someone that would be worthwhile and more importantly, useful. those thoughts however had died quickly as time went on. all of his plans were swallowed by wanting to see the entire area burn. from castle to the last tree that rested upon their ground. it was an odd occurrence. his mind not being able to completely hold onto his anger or annoyance. so, practice, was he that he thought it was second nature.

perhaps auradon was more of a test than he believed it could be.

“i, can of course, dance,” a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. what sort of world would it be if he could not dance to society’s standards? the very thought was amusing. perhaps it was not so much the question that amused him, but the fact that dextral had asked. they were never the closest of friends, per say. not in what the definition would be. no, secrets were shared. no, dreams whispered in the night. simply conversations that he could with stand and know he was talking to an individual that was closer to the worth of his time. the other’s dark eyes seemed to hold just as many secrets as his own. at points it was fascinating. often, he found himself losing time when he looked to them.

“as for your other question,” he shifted his shoulders in something like a shrug. a nonchalance he rarely sported in such a true form. normally, it was feigned but, in the moment, it was truth. “i find myself not interested in having a companion for the night.” damien paused for a moment, thinking on if he should share more. in the face of those dark eyes, he found himself willing. “the two that would be the most useful is the son, and the son’s closest young woman friend.” his eyes moved for those that seemed to transfix him for a moment as he looked toward the window that showed the night sky. “of course, i have suspicions that they may be more transfixed with each other rather than others and while that could be entertaining… consider me, not in the mood.”  

a thought, quick like lightning occurred to him. something akin to teasing shifted into his face. if they were friends, it most certainly would be ridicule in the gentlest of forms. something in him was seeking a semblance of normalcy. speaking with the other seemed to offer him that. “perhaps, i should just see to entertain myself with you. after all, you are one of the more worthwhile people there to speak to. our conversations always seem riveting.”

if anyone had asked, at the start of the festival of corona, andres would have been very certain that nothing interesting or dare he say, enjoyable was going to come from the week. there was going to be some regatta. which, at first at piqued his interest. until he figured out there were rules and teamwork needed. more specifically, he wouldn’t be able to take the boat and disappear over the horizon. which was disappointing. still, apart of him would have been lying if he pretended to not still be interested. he was certain that part of him was made of the brine from the sea, practically needed it to live.

his thoughts ended up not being true. it wasn’t everyday a certain demon found him and demanded he get on his knees with very little preamble. nikolai was normally, rough, in the best ways possible. but there had been something special on how the entire situation had been handled. how andres had been handled. there was something about a gift horse and their mouth... all he had cared about was what his own mouth had been doing. until it had been more than just his mouth.

mm, just rethinking of it made a smirk twist his lips that was closer to feral than anything else. he had taken to the streets after getting a little cleaned up and took a bit of delight at the looks he got from how fucked out he was. oh, so terrible. of course, it could have also been the lack of decorum when it came to his outfit. nothing stuffy or choking his cock in sight. oh, well, maybe he wouldn’t say that.

chuckling to himself, he continued his move through the streets. they seemed particularly packed with people enjoying the festivities. music and dancing just off in the distance. it was with a made-up mind to turn it into his own preferred piss up that had him walking in the direction of the commotion, until he caught sight of a blonde out of the corner of his eyes. a certain blonde that was a new companion andres hadn’t seen for a good bit. he could still feel the pain from her nails in the skin of his back. a memory that formed a solid kind of friendship.

silverbell struck him as the life of the party. her mischievous ways what had turned that little fae fest into something way more entertaining. andres had been finding himself thanking whatever god cared. for a moment, he debated on if he would continue in the direction he had been going. but he was feeling charitable and generous, she looked like she had a little cloud over her head.  nodding to only himself, he sauntered his way in her direction.

“now, someone as delightful as you should never have a look such as that on their face,” he started, his throat a little raspy from early activities but the burn did nothing to take away from the pleasant memory. “tell me how i can entertain you, darling. i would be happy to put a smile on your face.”

if someone were to ask, there were many other things she would rather be doing. so many in fact that she could probably create a list. one of the types that a person could flick their wrist and it would roll out like a parchment. cascading like a river across the floor. working on her penmanship for said parchment would more interesting than the day she had been having. or, in truth, watching paint dry. no, no, watching two small beetles pushing at each other to see who would fall of the edge of a book. that would be more entertaining. as if on cue, a butterfly perched in her mess of curls that were twisted in a barely there excuse of a braid. she knew that there were shining beetles weaved through the curls. such was life. nothing to be done.

huffing loudly, zephyra did little to make nice as she moved about the area. a cold treat in her calloused fingers as her hooves clopped softly against the cobble stone. it wasn’t as if it was some major ball or social event. that meant she didn’t have to follow with the agreement she made with her father. no annoying balls were equal to no legs to be hidden. no auradon approved clothing required. what she wore in the moment did well with the heat and the sun. something more akin to home. light fabric draped just right. covering all of the bits that would make humans faint. 

a man could be shirtless and fawned over, but should a women try… dear gods. it made her want to roll her eyes harder than usual, which of course was saying something. after all, zeph happed to love the female form. butterflies and a few bees followed her as she walked on the outskirts of the crowd. her eyes keeping a look out for a very specific person. thankfully, the person was one of the few people she enjoyed the presence of. he happened to be a bit tall and built like a pillar of the parthenon. it worked rather well for her.

almost as if her thoughts had summoned him, she caught sight of daron across the way. a softer type of smile twisted her lips. one that only a childhood friendship could supply. they had been friends since he had been born and she had popped  she popped out of a tree trunk after a nymph hugged it for too long. in truth, despite her love for science and mechanics… she wouldn’t put it past the gods to allow such a thing. “daron!” was what she offered as greeting, ignoring the aghast looks she received for making a commotion. 

“it feels as if i have been looking for you everywhere,” she continued in something akin to admonishment when she moved to stand next to him. “have you been busying yourself with your.. fans?” she questioned, the teasing so clear in her tone one couldn’t tell if it it was lemon or honey. while zeph did not happen to enjoy those of his body type, she understood others did. daron would be a fine specimen. “or did you get lost?” 

WHEN: May30, fifth day of the Coronan Lantern Festival WHO: Gabriel D’Arque and Rosamund Mulligan

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

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it was all a little overwhelming. from the shadow realm to the realm of the heroes. well, that was written on paper and perhaps said amongst the people themselves, but gabriel was certain each side was just human. or, close to it, depending on the person. if one could believe there was a place for those that did good in life and a place for those that did bad, there was simply good and bad. but it was the gray that existed that made things different. life was no written tale. it was no story book or black and white situation. since coming through the looking glass, he had been thinking on that a lot.

he was old enough to remember before. when there was a war, when he had a mother, when his father was a monster that he somehow had the ability to look at and see as a father, rather than the monster he truly was. it was something gabriel did his best to not dwell in. life and experience was what shaped a person. he could not blame his younger self for believing that family was always safe. perhaps he would go mad if he did.

even while standing among those at the ball signifying the end of the corona festival, he found his mind swirling. while in the shadow realm, he had worked so hard to be better. see the world for the good and the bad but do his best to be a piece of good in it. even if it was small. even if it could never make up for the mistakes of his father, it could be something that one day would be a defining in moment in someone else’s life. at least, he hoped. in all of that time spent curious around healers and medical journals he could find he didn’t ponder the thoughts of how the other side of the looking glass would not be what he imagined.

taking a slow slip on his one and only drink, he looked to the people around him. some friendly faces, others not so much. they too were simply, people. good, bad and everything in between.

although, he was certain the gossip was something closer to heinous than kind. gabriel had only glanced at the chattermore document sent out some time ago. had little to do with any of the discussions or conversations around such things. they could be why a smile curved his lips when the beautiful blonde leaned towards him in almost a conspiratorial tone. would the other women say anything about what she heard? oh, most certainly. “unfortunately, i feel as if there is little doubt that it will make rounds.”

turning his attention on his new companion he tilted his head as if in thought, “although, with any luck it will be more that you dared to seemingly mistake her for someone else, rather than what you said,” he offered his words as some sort of consolation. a hope really. he also hoped she had mistakenly thought she was a friend, rather than someone that maliciously went around spreading such tales... “i’m not sure on the chance,” he added with what he wished to be a calming look, but it could have also been closer to a at least it wasn’t me…..

❧︵┈𝖆𝖑𝖆𝖘𝖉𝖆𝖎𝖗 𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖑𝖊┈︵❧

there was this soft caress that was always carried in jianyu’s voice that was damn near enchanting. something alasdair might have called magic or enchantment if he wasn’t fully aware that it had come with a deeper connection and over time. he was under no spell. there was no amulet or charm swaying his favor, what he experienced with the other was genuine. this was a fear of its own devising, but he had never shied away from experiences that caused a thrill. indeed, it was not his name or reputation that stayed his hand when around the man from the imperil city, but his own understanding of the beliefs that were held.

his own preferences were not a secret, his reputation had a way of proceeding him, and most knew he was as likely to seduce a daughter as he was a noble’s son. this gave him freedom. he had friends aplenty, and more adventures awaited him than could be numbered, still. he might be swayed from his mistress adventure if only the object of his own desire was free to make decisions as he pleased. ah well. it didn’t bear fretting upon. 

“dissuade me,” he chuckled, an affectionate grin lifting his lips as he resisted the urge to cross those careful boundaries drawn in the sand between them. “lest i climb a tower simply for the pleasure of your viewing it.” well, perhaps he would toe the line that was drawn. a flirt could only abide so many rules, and impeccable behavior had never been in his breeding. 

“i confess i’m a man of the forest, but me in water and i’m a bear with all the grace of a fresh hunt of salmon in the spring, but i am still looking forward to the regatta. i have a feeling a few maidens of the season will put on a daring display of chivalrous bravery and give us men a run for our coin,” his grin was filled with delight at the prospect, enjoying those brave few who put being themselves above societal standards. 

“and what about you, our stoic dignitary? will you be climbing aboard my ship and helping us towards victory or will i have to celebrate my efforts with you back on land?” 

jianyu wished he could say it was difficult to pinpoint the moment he had begun to feel something stir at the smiles the other seemed to enjoy sending his way. he could not. there wasn’t a moment in their history where he would be able to stand away from it and nod to himself. yes, this is when you became infatuated. there was no point of reference for him to focus on. the words could have meant anything. as it was, if he had been eating, he would have choked. instead, his foot hit the edge of a stone on the path, and he found himself slightly stumbling. an involuntary gulp of his throat followed as he righted himself, as if nothing had occurred.

for all his poise and calm, he was nearly defenseless when certain individuals did certain things. jianyu didn’t even want to think of how he knew there would be a slight blush to his checks, the warmth on his face a clear brand in his mind.

“well, i could hardly miss it,” he did his best to counter and also agree with the sight of the regatta. it seemed as if his mind had hit a full stop from the first comment and wink that had been directed his way. he wasn’t certain there was a viable way to save himself from his own embarrassment. still, he did his best as he slowly drew a breath in before gently letting it out.

“we both know i am not the most stoic,” a smile turned the edges of his lips, doing his best not to focus on his previous moment of distraction. “but this year, i don’t plan on participating in the regatta,” he continued with a nod to himself. “as such, it seems we will have to celebrate when you get back on land,” curve of his lips widen as he dared to stray his eyes away from the path and look at alasdair again.

a dangerous concept.

“shall i make sure to have bao ready for you when you step foot on the shores again?” he questioned, nearly teasingly. jianyu was known for his food, after all and there had been countless times that alasdair had insinuate that he needed to stop gifting so he would stop eating. “we could see that you are made a stuffed bear...”

  .❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。

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.”

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ade’s shoulders sagged slightly when heidi offered for them to be relaxed. it was not as if atlantis did not have manners and expectations. but they were different. perhaps it was because they were more comfortable in all ways when it came to their home. the clothing, was cause for more comfort almost instantly. shifting their braids over their shoulder, they offered a smaller smile but no less genuine.

“in truth,” they paused in thought for a moment, “it is all a bit odd.” a laugh tumbled with their words slightly. it seemed to be an understatement but still, the truth. “customs are certainly different,” they started, counting off silently with their fingers. “the food, the music, they are things my father brought along and we have since brought to our lands but….,” for a moment adedayo paused again, in the moment trying to find the right words. it wasn’t as if auradonian expectations were bad…

“they aren’t the norm, i suppose,” was how they finished their thought, a slight tilt to their head as they softly laughed to and at themself. “is it okay if i ask how different it is for you?” they inquired softly, hoping it didn’t offend heidi.

Marcelo did what he did best, kept to himself for most of the day. Quietly taking the sights, the people and the atmosphere. He’d decided that he quite like Corona. It was a beautiful city, near the sea. He could see himself enjoying a life near the sea. There was something refreshing about the salty air and warmth the sun offered. As he moved through the imaginary future in his head. He randomly wondered if Sabine would enjoy the city the same way he did. There was a natural brightness to the women, she could fit in nicely with the warmth of the city. 

It wasn’t unusual that most of his thoughts of the future involved Sabine. She’d been the only constant in his life for years. Always there when he needed someone one, be it to patch him up or just hold his hand. She’s turn up, as if he’s summoned her out of thin air. The thought brought a small smile to his lips as he settled on a bench. Eyes following the flow of traffic but not really seeing. His smile faltered just a bit when he thought about their relationship recently. He wasn’t proud of it, but he’d been avoiding her. Ever since they kissed, and then the whole moment ending up in some gossip pamphlet. He wasn’t sure how to proceed. 

Things were done so much differently in Auradon. Back home, if you felt for someone you just did as you pleased. There wasn’t a societal expectation. No one really gave a shit about who was with who. Here its seemed to be the thing people practically lived for. It was easier to focus on how he’d been inappropriate in his actions, according to the rules of their new ‘home’, then to really look at why he was so afraid of what would happen next. 

Just as he started to tumble down a self deprecating spiral, he heard his name. His head popped up, and as if he’d summoned her with his thoughts Sabine stood in front of him. There was a firmness in her voice that made him do exactly as she said. Sitting still as she advanced on him. Her words filtering in and out. 

“I’m sorry,” was out of his mouth before his brain really processed everything she said reaching out. His fingers gently circled her wrist. Tugging lightly to urge her to sit next to him. “I missed you as well, I shouldn’t have avoided you, I’m sorry,” his words were more confident this time around. 

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the firm way she was holding her body softened slightly when mars reached for her wrist, gently urging her to came sit next to him. that was more like it. without a second thought, she moved to do just that. sit next to him as if there had been no time between them. at least in their body language. she listened to him softly speak. apologize for avoiding her. that was all it took for the last vestiges of annoyance to leave her, and she smiled at him. something soft and kind, just for him. “you are forgiven,” she said slightly imperiously for a moment, before snickering lightly and shaking her head.

“you know i can’t stay mad at you. anyways, there was nothing to be mad about. just sad really,” she continued before turning her body to look towards him in a delightfully improper way compared to what mrs. potts deemed as how women should act among society and with men. “but,” was added with a huff, “as compensation for lost time, i demand that you tell me what you have been up to,” sabine nodded her head as if it was the most logical thing in the world.

“i haven’t gotten to see you it something that feels more akin to forever. given how often we are normally around each other.” she explained while the hand of the wrist that he had clasped shifted, so she could play with his fingers. “i missed you. i forgive you for avoiding me. now, tell me everything,” her gaze was bright as she smiled in marcelo’s direction, urging him to speak, if only just a little. she could care less about anything else. they had too long between without speaking.