the crown mattered more .

independent & selective caelia greenbriar from 'the folk of the air' series written by danni

[greenbraer]

#greenbraer : an independent, selective & highly headcanon-based Caelia Greenbriar of 'The Cruel Prince' by Holly Black. penned by danni ( 28, she/her, gmt/bst )

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[lady-arryn]

Kristine Froseth as Nan St. George THE BUCCANEERS (Season 1)

[classsymemes]

starter call 2.0   feel free to combine prompts !

for  a  happy  starter .

for  a  melancholy  starter .

for  an  excited  starter .

for  an  angry  starter .

for  a  soft  starter .

for  a  silly  starter .

for  an  angsty  starter .

for  a  violent  starter .

for  a  romantic  starter .

for  a  sexual  starter .

for  a  comforting  starter .

for  a  threatening  starter .

for  an  argumentative  starter .

for  an  action / adventure  starter .

for  a  flirtatious  starter .

for  a  loving  starter .

for  a  hostile  starter .

for  an  envious  starter .

for  a  fearful  starter .

for  an  injured / sick  starter .

for  an  urgent  starter .

for  a  celebratory  starter .

for  a  reunion  starter .

for  a  lazy  starter .

for  a  protective  starter .

for  a  domestic  starter .

for  an  intimate  starter .

for  a  weather - based  starter .

for  a  surprised  starter .

for  a  malicious  starter .

for  an  illegal  starter .

for  a  concerned  starter .

for  a  tense  starter .

for  a  sentimental  starter .

for  a  hopeful  starter .

for  a  hopeless  starter .

for  a  guilty  starter .

for  an  embarrassed  starter .

for  an  anxious  starter .

for  a  desperate  starter .

for  a  disappointed  starter .

for  an  aggressive  starter .

for  a  cautious  starter .

for  an  impulsive  starter .

for  a  resentful  starter .

for  a  suspicious  starter .

for  a  conflicted  starter .

for  a  provoked  starter .

for  an  awkward  starter .

for  a  dishonest  starter .

for  a  fatigued  starter .

for  a  grateful  starter .

for  a  flustered  starter .

for  a  vulnerable  starter .

for  a  manipulative  starter .

for  a  professional  starter .

for  a  mischievous  starter .

for  a  relieved  starter .

for  a  cooperative  starter .

for  an  uncooperative  starter .

for  a  moody  starter .

for  an  impatient  starter .

for  a  competitive  starter .

for  an  encouraging  starter .

for  a  sensual  starter .

for  an  interrupted  starter .

for  a  clumsy  starter .

for  a  tearful  starter .

for  an  affectionate  starter .

for  a  cozy  starter .

[cruelprincae]

                      Another  huff  of  contempt  befalls  through  plump  lips,  and  his  arms  cross  against  his  torso,  unwilling  to  move  the  slightest  bit  from  the  spot  he  has  ever  so  rightfully  claimed  upon  the  bed  of  his  chamber  to  do  the  ludicrous  things  as  to  communicate  with  the  entirety  of  the  Greenbriar  tree.  To  talk  to  their  father  is  inconceivable  ―  but  to  talk  to  Dain,  and  the  remainder  of  their  sisters,  all  of  whom  could  not  have  cared  less  about  what  was  to  happen  to  their  youngest  brother  when  they  were  alive  ?  Such  is  strictly  preposterous.

                      Cardan  would  much  rather  spend  his  evening  communicating  with  the  irksome  children  in  the  mortal  school.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  he  would  rather  communicate  with  Edward's  mother,  who,  upon  seeing  the  young  Prince,  nearly  foams  at  the  mouth  and  grows  blisters,  as  though  the  mere  sight  of  him  is  poisonous  to  her.  And  to  be  quite  frank,  the  distaste  is  mutual.

                      ❛  I  would  miss  falling  face  first  into  cold  wrought  iron  more  than  Dain,  ❜  Begrudgedly  states  Cardan,  his  features  shifting  into  a  grimace  of  distaste,  as  though  merely  speaking  the  name  of  their  brother  brought  a  foul  taste  upon  his  tongue.  His  head  snaps  to  Caelia's  direction,  and  his  eyes  narrow  upon  her  slim  figure  as  she  dreamily  rolls  on  her  heels,  as  though  already  painting  the  picture  in  her  head  of  what  it  would  be  like,  to  reunite  with  her  darling  family.  A  dream  he  is  soon  to  crush  under  his  heel,  similar  to  a  bug.  ❛  Eldred  may  have  been  a  father  to  you,  but  to  me,  he  has  been  nought  but  the  man  who  contributed  to  my  birth  and  ultimately,  my  worst  waking  moments.  I  have  no  darling  recollections  of  him,  and  I  most  certainly  do  not  wish  to  communicate  with  him,  nor  anyone  else  who  shares  our  last  name,  ❜

                      A  pang  of  guilt  strikes  his  torso  at  the  thought  of  Rhyia,  alas,  he  cannot  claim  his  statement  to  be  a  lie  ;  as  much  as  he  preferred  her  over  his  siblings,  she  still  turned  a  blind  eye  to  both  his  trial  and  the  signs  of  Balekin's  mistreatment.  In  a  way,  her  betrayal  hurt  Cardan  the  most.  ❛  Let  them  rot  in  the  moss  where  they  are.  I  could  not  care  less.  What  do  you  even  wish  to  tell  them  ?  ❜

[greenbraer]

Ungrateful. That is what he was, turning his nose up at his own flesh and blood simply because of some questionable actions on the part of their brother. Balekin was certainly unpredictable by nature, cruel by his hand to anybody who crossed him - even Caelia had not escaped his ire in the past - but their sisters had done nothing of the sort.

No, Elowyn had been kind and motherly, paving the way for the woman that Caelia wished to be once she had grown fully. And Rhyia, her dearest friend within a sister, had even spoken well of their youngest brother, no matter how much of a worm he was being. And Dain had been nought but kind, patiently sitting with his youngest sister as she studied or played with her dolls as a child.

"Dain was a better man than you could ever hope to be." Poison dripped from her tongue akin to a venomous snake, cheeks flushing red at the insolence of Cardan's being. How dare he speak ill of the dead so soon after their demise, of the people that Caelia had loved so dearly. "I would tell them that you are being a cruel little wretch and I wish so desperately that they were here so I would not need to listen to your foolery! You act as though I mistreated you as a child when I loved you quite dearly."

[agoldenlily]

She was glad that there was an ease to the moment there between them. It was quiet and even calm as she spoke softly into the night. She picked gently at the stitching of the bedding.

"Everyone knew that he and my mother were close. He loathed the man that I grew up thinking was my father." he had been quite the horrible man. "And when I met the bard again he treated me much as a father would however...he claims it isn't true." She shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe it was wishful thinking."

[greenbraer]

"Hm." Caelia hummed at the explanation, shifting slightly against the pillows as she considered it. It would be far more desirable to have a father with whom you liked, that much was certainly true, but blood shared had meaning in itself. "And you would cast your current father aside so carelessly?"

[luckhissoul]

he looks down at his hands. feeling a heaviness come over him. he takes in a breath as he slowly lifts his eyes to her face. she seems sincere enough. but what could he tell her? after all she was running herself. she was in danger. she shouldn't know what it was that troubled who was supposed to be her protection. but they had been out here a while together. no one else to talk to really. this seemed - well, funnily enough it seemed natural.

"everything?" he says with a small smile. somewhat amused. "but that's a terrible answer. not informative and - " he lowers his eyes again, away, ashamed, feeling a weight he can't get out from under. "- well, i don't think you'd trust me much with your protection if you thought i was a coward."

[greenbraer]

Everything. Perhaps a terrible answer, yes, but one that earned a smile from the princess as she reflected on how truthful it seemed. Caelia had been told since she was a child that humans were liars, every one of them, mistruths coming easily to their tongue as though their utterances were facts. And yet she found herself trusting him more for the lapse in strength.

"I do not think you a coward," came her assurance, spine straightening. "Tell me and I shall not tell a single soul, I swear it."

[luckhissoul]

well, he couldn't blame her there. the conditions weren't at all relaxing. he hardly found any way to actually unwind a little bit. but he liked to tease her a bit. everything around her seemed so bloody dreary. it made the atmosphere in the house bathed in gray. it wouldn't be bad to get her to lighten.

"fight?" he asks a bit surprised. he sets the towel down now that the cut is all cleaned up. a bit shiny, still red and probably still hurting her. "you have all these trained soldiers around you and you went and did it on your own? i could show you a thing or two?"

[greenbraer]

"These trained soldiers would laugh in my face if I so much as asked them to lend a sword," she bit back, the scowl that found its way into her features like that of a stubborn child than a woman grown. Still, his offer melted away such malice as Caelia blinked in astonishment. "You would help me?"

Perhaps it would be for the best to have somebody to teach her. After all, she had been practising herself for merely a few hours and had managed to slice a sizable gash into her cheek. "What would you show me?"

[cruelprincae]

                     Despite   being   shoved   in   return,   Cardan's   plump   lips   curl   into   a   cheshire,   sly   grin   before   they   altogether   part   to   release   a   wicked   laughter   of   delight   due   to   Caelia's   wrath   ―   if   one   can   call   her   exaggerated   puffs   and   huffs   wrath,   that   is.   Were   it   Rhyia   who   was   giving   him   such   a   furious   glare,   then   he   would   have   recoiled   in   an   instance   and   perchance,   even   profusely   apologise   should   such   spare   him   of   her   ire,   but   Caelia   ?   The   worse   she   can   do   is   throw   a   brush   at   him   and   run   off   to   tell   the   High   King,   who,   upon   hearing   his   name,   will   likely   stop   listening   altogether   for   he   abhors   even   the   mention   of   his   youngest   son.   Not   to   mention   that   hearing   her   exasperated   cries   is   far   too   amusing. 

                     ❛   Did   I   ruffle   your   feathers,   sister   ?   ❜   Humours   the   teen   and,   as   his   laughter   fades   into   a   soft   chuckle,   reaches   to   the   shaken,   spread   feathers   that   frame   Caelia   similar   to   a   frustrated   owl   and   plucks   several   of   them   with   the   tips   of   his   clawed   digits.   ❛   Do   run   and   tell   Father   about   that   as   well.   What   do   you   believe   he   will   do,   double   exile   me   ?   ❜

[greenbraer]

Although the plucking of her feathered wings hurt little more than a pinch, Caelia cried out in dramatized pain, indigo eyes rimming pink with tears she forced to the forefront of the scene -- Tears that would likely get her brother in any sorts of trouble if she desired it.

And yet she knew that he was right in his assumptions of their father. The High King would see his daughter's flushed cheeks and react with concern for mere moments until Cardan's name was mentioned. Then, a flick of the wrist and all manner of caring for the story would disappear. Sometimes their father could be so fickle.

"Well... then..." Caelia struggled for a moment, desperately trying to grab onto something that could give her the upper hand once more before it fell into the ungrateful hands of the younger. "Well, then I shall tell Balekin of your abuses."

[fearinfected]

I've been absent but I have not abandoned my boy!!

This is a psa that I am way more active writing threads on discord but I will be back here soon

[sophie-baek]

WICKED: PART ONE (2024) dir. Jon M. Chu

[aedearly]

✎ㅤ. . .ㅤ𝑩𝑳𝑶𝑶𝑫 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑫𝑨𝑹𝑲𝑵𝑬𝑺𝑺.

₊˚⊹ ㅤa collection of loose quotes taken from various characters from hades (supergiant games). these quotes are from the first game of the series. writing/roleplaying prompts. from fluff to angst! feel free to edit as you see fit, especially since some are gendered.

❝ i’m leaving. try and stop me. ❞ ❝ that could have gone better. ❞ ❝ why can’t you just stay? ❞ ❝ i wish you could come with me. ❞ ❝ you’re coming with me. ❞ ❝ i have to take you back. ❞ ❝ but for you, i will be making an exception. ❞ ❝ whew… they’re gone. ❞ ❝ now, come on, we got places to be! ❞ ❝ may the fates favour your journey. ❞ ❝ oh you know, i’d rather have my eyes put out, but thanks for offering! ❞ ❝ if only… ❞ ❝ you should be ashamed of yourself, and learn your place. ❞ ❝ ahh, so you are taking pity on me, then? ❞ ❝ i’m sorry that it has to be this way. ❞ ❝ you’re late. ❞ ❝ will i see you soon? ❞ ❝ did you miss me? ❞ ❝ i’m home. ❞ ❝ we’re heading home. ❞ ❝ you… came back? ❞ ❝ i hope i didn’t keep you waiting very long, did i? ❞ ❝ is something wrong? ❞ ❝ i can’t believe this. ❞ ❝ i’m in your debt. ❞ ❝ there’s going to be payback, you know. ❞ ❝ … damn you. ❞ ❝ this is for you. ❞ ❝ do you remember me? my name is—ah, nevermind. ❞ ❝ i’m not who you think i am. ❞ ❝ keep following that heart of yours. ❞ ❝ to hell with this place! ❞ ❝ fear is for the weak. ❞ ❝ oh, look at you, you poor, poor thing, you’re hurt! ❞ ❝ you’re such a sweetheart. ❞ ❝ you brought this on yourself. ❞ ❝ no need to thank me, mate. ❞ ❝ please, i don’t want to do this… ❞ ❝ you don’t have to do this… ❞ ❝ only the best for you. ❞ ❝ i hope you’re right. ❞ ❝ gods grant me strength… ❞ ❝ that is the worst idea i think i’ve ever heard. ❞ ❝ do you understand how little sense that makes? ❞ ❝ look what i found! ❞ ❝ something’s changed about the beating of your heart. ❞ ❝ no wonder they don’t like you. ❞ ❝ wish i could be there to see your face. ❞ ❝ i’ll earn your favour yet. ❞ ❝ how bad could it be? ❞ ❝ hello there, handsome. ❞ ❝ … this is the cheesiest thing i’ve heard from you. ❞ ❝ what has gotten into you? ❞ ❝ blood and darkness! ❞ ❝ lucky for you, i’ve no pride like many others here. ❞ ❝ it’s over. i’m sorry. ❞ ❝ go. away. i won’t repeat myself. ❞ ❝ i knew your heart was true. ❞ ❝ let’s kiss and make up! ❞ ❝ mischief, me? oh please! ❞ ❝ i don’t know how you can stand this kind of thing… ❞ ❝ you tried. that’s what matters. ❞ ❝ a man after my own heart… ❞ ❝ why won’t you give up? ❞ ❝ ever so stubborn, aren’t you? ❞ ❝ life and death, one and the same. ❞ ❝ you’re running from yourself. again. ❞ ❝ what do you want from me? leave me alone. we’ve nothing to discuss anymore. ❞ ❝ i cannot bring myself to stay upset with you forever. ❞ ❝ the truth is i’m a lover, not a fighter. ❞ ❝ i have to see her! ❞ ❝ so how goes wilful disobedience of late? ❞ ❝ you think all these gifts will make things go back to the way they were? ❞ ❝ we’re older now—i’d hope we’re wiser, too. ❞ ❝ i have to go. ❞ ❝ we were having such a good time! ❞ ❝ time is up. ❞ ❝ you’re so reckless. ❞ ❝ thank you for always keeping me on my toes. ❞ ❝ your luck’s run out. ❞ ❝ i don’t know why i bother with you, honestly. ❞ ❝ may i call you my friend? ❞ ❝ i’d like to make a toast, to you! ❞ ❝ no need for special thanks. ❞ ❝ i’ve some memories i’m not quite ready to give up on yet. ❞ ❝ i’ll break your heart. ❞

[greenbraer]

shoves

Lips parted in a small 'o' of surprise at the sleight, hand fluttering to her chest as though struck with an arrow rather than the bony hands of her younger brother. It took little time for Caelia to shove him back, an air of fury in her gaze as feathered wings bristled to display her ire for all who cared to look.

"If you dare touch me again, I am telling Father."

[cruelprincae]

                   Albeit  the  Prince  releases  a  breathly  huff  of  exasperation  and  an  irritated  roll  of  his  kohl-lined  eyes,  the  irony  of  Caelia's  words  is  not  lost  on  him  ;  Numerous  were  the  occasions  that  Eddie  informed  him  about  the  town's  old  habits,  of  how  the  mortals  inhabiting  it  would  farm  and  trade  similar  to  the  lowly  faerie  and  merchants  passing  through  the  Courts  and  selling  their  crops  and  crafts  ―  thus,  in  a  way,  it  stands  to  reason  as  to  why  wool  (  and  this  other  material  called  some  thing  along  the  lines  of  esther  )  would  be  the  primary  attire  materials  for  the  mortals.  And,  although  the  texture  of  it  felt  odd  in  his  grasp,  Cardan  has  witnessed  several  attires  ―  most  commonly  worn  by  his  mortal  friend  ―  that  are  endearing,  beautiful  even,  he  would  not  be  caught  dead  admitting  such  to  him.

                   Or  his  sister,  on  that  matter,  whom  he  is  more  than  certain  would  perish  of  heart  failure  upon  witnessing  such,  for  never  has  she  worn  anything  that  is  of  less  quality  than  silk.  At  least,  not  that  he  can  recall.

                   Caelia's  question  catches  him  unprepared,  mere  seconds  after  he  has  turned  his  back  on  her  and  taken  his  first  step  to  the  door,  having  no  intention  of  being  present  during  her  intense  monologue  with  the  mirror.  Colour  flares  at  his  pale  cheeks  at  the  mention  of  the  mortal  boy  and  the  implication  that  he  might  have  any  clothes  of  his  that  he  can  give  her,  alas,  the  greater  surprise  and  ultimately  what  has  his  head  snap  to  her  person,  with  both  manicured  brows  arched  in  raw  surprise,  is  the  fact  that  she  has  inquired  for  his  clothes,  his  possessions.  The  attire  that  she,  only  mere  minutes  prior  has  called  ugly  and  worthy  only  to  be  worn  by  farmhands.

                   Oh,  how  the  mighty  have  fallen.

                   ❛  I  solely  possess  what  you  call  farmhand  attire,  thus,  I  would  be  making  you  a  tremendous  injustice  should  I  lend  them  to  you,  ❜  Airly  states  Cardan,  with  his  plump  lips  curling  upwards  in  a  semblance  of  a  smile.  He  ought  to  become  offended  that  the  Princess  of  Elfhame  offered  to  do  his  make-up,  thus  considering  him  incompetent  in  that  department,  alas,  his  sister  is  desperate  and  such  grants  him  an  opening  to  further  tease  her  to  his  heart's  content.  ❛  In  fact,  seeing  as  you  are  such  a  fashion  expert,  I  ought  to  leave  you  be  with  your  hideous  attire  and  let  you  make  do  on  your  own  in  such  a  brief  span  of  time,  ❜  A  brow  arches  higher  beneath  a  sea  of  iridiscent  locks,  and  clawed  hands  come  to  rest  upon  slender  hips  as  his  head  cranes  to  the  side,  as  though  considering.  As  though  he  has  not  thought  of  an  alternative  already.  ❛  I  could,  lend  you  some  clothing  and  save  you  from  the  utter  mortal  ridicule.  Alas,  you  shall  have  to  follow  my  command  and  brush  my  tail  for  the  next  three  weeks.  Do  we  have  a  bargain  ?  ❜

[greenbraer]

Perhaps it was the desperation that muddled her thoughts enough to enquire Cardan's assistance, the humiliating anticipation of starting at a mortal school in garments that would cause ridicule. Caelia had never been teased or taunted in her life, beloved by her classmates and teachers alike when she had attended school back in Elfhame. This place was a different matter.

"Yes, well, it seems that farmhand attire is... fashionable here." The words were said with an air of disgust, the mere idea of pulling on a woollen shirt filling her with dread. Surely her brother had more fitting clothing for his status somewhere, velvets and silks like the ones he wore back at home. There was little time to wonder, however, when his threat to leave earned a flash of warning in her own gaze. "Cardan. Do not be so childish."

And yet when the bargain was offered from his own lips, Caelia barely bit back a groan of frustration, fists clenched at her side as she whirled around to catch sight of her reflection once again. It simply would not do, the florals looking more and more like a child's painting than the beautiful craftwork she was used to.

"For three weeks, I shall brush your tail, and in return you shall lend me clothing that will gain favour with the mortals," came the affirmation. "I agree to the bargain. Although I am not happy with it - Your tail always did get in the way."

[nosestealer]

"Most of them do, yes. But some work in the night and go to bed in the morning. Others, still, search out the best places to dance the night away." Sometimes quite literally, too.

"I'm also more of a night owl, as they say, but on the other hand, I am also very capable of getting up early." A beat and then: "I used to be head counselor at a summer camp and corralling kids---" Especially magical kids. "---wasn't always easy."

She nodded her head as well. "What about you, Cae? Night owl or early bird?"

[greenbraer]

"Dance? Like a revel?" Pointed ears immediately prick at the idea, the knowledge that the mortal world perhaps had some similarities to her homeland etching a ray of hope into her heart. How Caelia had adored revels back in Elfhame, the taste of Faerie wine on her lips as she twirled about the ballroom floor.

But then Eleusine continued, and each word furthered confusion in the features of the princess. "What is a 'summer camp'?" she asked, before furrowing her brows at the question. "I am neither bird nor owl."

[luckhissoul]

she's afraid, without any idea of how to live outside of the box that that created for her. he feels a little bad for her about all that. the business was pretty messy, wasn't it? he had a job to here and it was to keep her safe. maybe he had done a banged up job of that. but it was just a cut on her cheek. nothing serious.

"i wasn't serious." he says, a small smile on his face. "something tells me you haven't learned to relax." well, he knew that might be hard given her circumstance. but tension did little good. and light, it could make things boring. "you really aren't gonna tell me what happened to your face?"

[greenbraer]

If her cheek were not stinging so, Caelia may have laughed at his quip -- How she wished she could relax. What the princess would give for a hot bath and the silken coverlets upon her bed, a servant bringing her sweet cakes and honey as the sounds of Elfhame drifted in from her window.

"I know how to relax," she replied. "It just so happens that we are not in the most... relaxing of conditions." But then he asked the question again, and Caelia could feel her cheeks burning with the sheer humiliation. Mab damn him and his stubbornness. "I was... I was learning to fight."

[luckhissoul]

there's always a sadness to her. it seemed to make the whole situation a bit damp, didn't it? sometimes he wasn't sure what to say. feeling a heat at the back of his neck. he turns to look away from her. around the room. home. the one place she really couldn't go right now. but he didn't have to tell her that. she already knew.

he lets out a breath, resting his head back against the wall. now he actually does look at her. he reaches his hand out, lightly brushes her cheek. but quickly pulls away, reminding himself about something like overstepping. "what if i said this was me running? that's why i do what i do?" vague and yet it felt too personal of an answer.

[greenbraer]

The gentle touch was unexpected, the first contact she'd had since being ushered hastily from the palace walls, and Caelia could do nothing but stiffen at the feeling. She should not be allowing such familiarities to pass between them: Between Fae and mortal, between royalty and commoner. And yet she found that she had little energy to care enough about it.

"What are you running from?" Her voice, still soft in the silence of the room, held a semblance of warmth for his confession as she glanced towards him. "You may answer truthfully. It seems that I have nobody to tell."

[agoldenlily]

She watched as she settled back down onto her pillow and her heart ached because she wanted to give her some rest if she could manage it. Carefully she reached her hand out and toyed with the end of a lock of Caelia's hair around her finger. She hoped that she would be able to get a good night's sleep tonight.

"About me?" She mused thoughtfully. "When I was a child there was a bard in my mother's court. He was always around and he used to allow me to follow him about everywhere." Her voice lowered then. "I sometimes wondered if...if he was my real father."

[greenbraer]

Caelia felt little more than a child as she lay beside her companion, indigo eyes flecked with gold gazing up at Elayne as she considered a story for the princess. It mattered little what the premise of such a tale was, only that it was told, that Caelia could hear the softness of voice and know that she was not alone.

"Your father?" Brows furrowed at that, lips pursing at the knowledge -- Now this felt all the more like gossiping with her friends back at home. "What could possibly make you think that?"